The Citizens will have two key defenders back for the upcoming title decider.
Manchester City defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones have returned to training in a major squad boost for the Citizens.
Following the pair’s injury in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola appeared to rule them out for the rest of the campaign.
However, both Walker and Stones have now returned to team training at the Etihad Stadium. This is a major boost for City’s backline after the injury setbacks of Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias.
A victory against Aston Villa on the Premier League’s final matchday would secure City’s title. However, the Citizens’ shaky defensive performance in recent weeks has convinced most observers that Villa might have a real chance of causing a final day upset for Guardiola’s men.
The return of Stones and Walker would provide City with much-needed stability in their backline. But, it is not clear whether Guardiola would use the defensive pair in his starting lineup.
Against West Ham, City played with Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte at the heart of their defensive line. The Hammers managed to use the space behind the defensive pair through their quick forwards.
Villa will most likely try to do the same by sending long balls to the likes of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins on Sunday.
However, the presence of Walker and Stones will most likely result in City’s better preparation for sudden transitional phases in the game.
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