Manchester City take on Aston Villa at Villa Park tonight in what should be a highly entertaining Premier League clash – although Pep Guardiola will be without Jack Grealish and Rodri.
The England international and the Spain international will be sat on the sidelines as the Citizens aim to end a run of three straight draws in the Premier League.
So, why will Jack Grealish and Rodri miss out for Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
Why Jack Grealish and Rodri will not play for Manchester City against Aston Villa
Well, both the Manchester City No.10 and the Manchester City No.16 have been suspended for one game.
Grealish and Rodri both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the 2023/24 campaign in Sunday’s 3-3 draw against Tottenham.
They must therefore serve a one-match ban.
Grealish – in particular – will surely be feeling very annoyed with himself, as his caution came after foolishly kicking the ball away after Simon Hooper had blown for a freekick.
The 28-year-old has also been robbed of what was likely to be a start against his old side at Villa Park, as Jeremy Doku is a doubt through injury.
In our view – as talented as Grealish is – Guardiola will presumably be more upset by Rodri’s absence.
The Spaniard missed three games earlier this season after a clash with Morgan Gibbs-White in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest earned him a straight red card.
Rodri consequently sat out of a Carabao Cup game against Newcastle, as well as meetings with Wolves and Arsenal in the Premier League.
Manchester City remarkably lost all three, which shows just how important the £62.8m man is at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola hinted that Kalvin Phillips – who might leave Manchester City in January – could be handed a rare start in Rodri’s absence, although Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis are also in contention to step in.
