Anelka to miss Villa

Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka will miss the game against Aston Villa tomorrow because of a groin strain.

It means Robbie Fowler will make his first start since the middle of September after going on strict fitness programme.

Manager Kevin Keegan said: “Nicolas has not trained all week. It is too much to miss at this stage of the season and too big a risk to take.”

Defender Danny Mills returns from suspension at the expense of promising 18-year-old Nedum Onuoha.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD: James, Waterreus, Onuoha, Mills, Distin, Dunne, Bosvelt, Flood, D’Laryea, S Wright-Phillips, Barton, Sibierski, Fowler, Jordan, Macken, B Wright-Phillips.