Mpenza set for City return

Emile Mpenza could return for Manchester City in their Premiership clash with Aston Villa at Eastlands.

The Belgium forward has missed the Blues’ last two games with a hip injury but manager Stuart Pearce is hopeful Mpenza will be able to lead City’s attack as they look to score their first home league goal since New Year’s Day.

Michael Johnson and DaMarcus Beasley are both doubtful with hamstring problems while Paul Dickov returns to the squad after recent toe and ankle problems.

Team (from): Isaksson, Weaver, Onuoha, Trabelsi, Sun, Dunne, Distin, Ball, Jordan, Sinclair, Ireland, Barton, Hamann, Johnson, Dabo, Beasley, Vassell, Mpenza, Corradi, Samaras, Dickov.