Aston Villa are putting out a nearly-first-team squad to face Manchester City this evening in the third round of the Capital One League Cup. City have answered with a half-strength squad. It's exactly what we wanted to see, and it may represent VIlla's only chance of sneaking away with a win. The Benteke/Weimann pairing should be an interesting one to watch throughout the match, but it's good to know that Darren Bent is there in case he is needed.
Aston Villa Starting XI: Shay Given, Matthew Lowton, Ron Vlaar, Ciaran Clark, Joe Bennett, Karim El Ahmadi, Fabian Delph, Charles N'Zogbia, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Christian Benteke, Andreas Weimann
Aston Villa Bench: Brad Guzan, Nathan Baker, Darren Bent, Marc Albrighton, Eric Lichaj, Chris Herd, Barry Bannan
Manchester City Starting XI: Costel Pantilimon, Jack Rodwell, Kolo Touré, Matija Nastasic, Gareth Barry, Abdul Razak, Denis Suarez, James Milner, Aleksander Kolarov, Carlos Tévez, Mario Balotelli
Manchester City Bench: Richard Wright, Joleon Lescott, George Evans, Jeremy Helan, Scott Sinclair, Eden Dzeko, Luca Scapuzzi