Kolo Toure has returned from his injury nightmare and is back for Manchester city. Joleon Lescott performed creditably in Kolo Toure's absence at Newcastle but it would be a huge surprise if the Ivorian was not handed an instant recall.

Having blown one chance to reach top spot over Christmas already, City know victory would see them, for a few hours at least, leapfrog neighbours Manchester United, who have an evening kick-off.

In other news, Kolo might have some new team-mates soon, with Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo linked to the club in the January transfer window.