Both Aaron Ramsey and Johann Gudmundsson returned for the Boxing Day game against Liverpool, featuring off the bench in the second-half.

As for Villa, Matty Cash returns from suspension while Pau Torres could be fit to start. Lucas Digne, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans remain absent.

Vincent Kompany’s pre-match comments

When we played them I felt straight away they were a strong team.

“I think they have a very clear structure, a very good idea of what they want to do.

“Many of their players have developed into Premier League players after being purchased as young stars some time ago. I’m thinking of players like Watkins and Bailey. Young players who currently play in the Premier League are elite players who had to overcome hardship as well.

“Everything comes together at the point where the youthful players mature into skilled players. When a new manager joins the team with ideas that work, they will continue to advance since that is the kind of manager he is. Thus, I’m not shocked.