Silva back for City

David Silva has returned after a five-match absence with a hamstring injury for Manchester City as they prepare to face Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium today.

Silva’s introduction for Samir Nasri, plus Aleksandar Kolarov for Javi Garcia are the two changes to the side that failed to overcome Ajax on Tuesday.

Mario Balotelli is not even on the bench though, whilst Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has preferred City old-boy Emmanuel Adebayor to Jermain Defoe in attack.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy, Toure, Barry, Silva, Tevez, Kolarov, Aguero.

Subs: Pantilimon, Maicon, Dzeko, Sinclair, Javi Garcia, Toure, Razak.

Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Gallas, Caulker, Vertonghen, Sandro, Huddlestone, Lennon, Bale, Dempsey, Adebayor.

Subs: Lloris, Naughton, Defoe, Dawson, Sigurdsson, Livermore, Carroll.

Referee: Michael Oliver.