Pep Guardiola has dropped Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne from the Man City starting lineup for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Both players started in the 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, but have been named on the bench for Saturday’s trip to Villa Park.
The Catalan coach explained that the reason for benching the pair is tactical and not just to rotate his squad. “For the way we have to play I decided this line-up – simple as that,” he told TNT Sports.
Ederson is not fit to face Villa, but Guardiola has been boosted by the return of John Stones and Manuel Akanji, who both start in the centre of defence following the news that Ruben Dias has been sidelined by injury.
