Team news for tomorrow's game against Villa

Last updated : 13 September 2003 By Ben Collins
The City boss stated earlier in the week that he has the players, he now needs to find the right solution. And the pressure is on to do it against Villa, especially since it is a home fixture.

Fowler, McManaman, Wanchope and Reyna are all available after they came through the reserve win over Bolton but the US midfielder is likely to miss out due to lack of fitness.

Keegan has said he is reluctant to go with two holding midfielders at home, which suggests Barton or Bosvelt will make way, allowing McManaman to make his debut.

It is thought that Fowler will therefore be given another chance to prove himself, in place of Sibierski, and restore the partnership with his old team-mate.

Trevor Sinclair is fully fit again after missing England's two qualifiers and Eyal Berkovic has shaken off a hamstring scare he picked up with Israel.

Meanwhile, the goalkeeper and defence are likely to remain the same.

"We must improve our home record if we are to be successful and Villa is a vital game for us at this juncture," Keegan said. "We want to get that first home Premiership win under our belts and stop people even thinking about a jinx

The City boss added, "We didn't play well against Portsmouth and dug out a draw and we played very well against Arsenal, particularly in the first half.

"We just gave away two silly goals. No one can say we haven't played well at Eastlands and that we haven't created chances there."