Preview
It's a return to home comforts for Manuel's minions as they march back from a satisfying stint on the road.
Three wins from four away fixtures (including one particularly sour loss to Chelsea) is hardly a cause for concern for Manuel Pellegrini, however, the capricious form of his goalkeeper has marred a relatively successful month away from the Etihad Stadium.
Many media outlets (including the Guardian, the Daily Mail and Twenty Four 7 Football) have already 'confirmed' that Joe Hart will lose his starting place to Costel Pantillimon who gave a solid performance on Wednesday night to reward City with their first clean sheet in seven games. If true, the Chilean chief's shrewd decisiveness should send out an austere message to Hart that his place in between the sticks is not guaranteed.
Joe Hart will not start for Manchester City on Saturday.
City's last Premier League home loss was at the hands of Houghton's canaries who flapped and pecked their way to a remarkable 3-2 win on the final day of the 2012/2013 season. The result capped off a dismal campaign for the blues but Pellegrini's new look platoon go into Saturday's tie with points to make up after falling six points behind leaders Arsenal.
The Canaries have remained firmly in the comfort of their nest so far this season and have failed to take flight. Houghton's side have had a win-less October and currently occupy the relagation zone along with Sunderland and Crystal Palace. New signings Gary Hooper and Ricky Van Wolfswinkel have struggled to provide the goals they were brought in for and Delia's summer spending has left a rather bitter taste in the mouths of the Norwich faithful so far this season.
On paper, three points looks to have already crept into the grasps of Manchester City, but when in the relegation zone, points are particularly vital.
The Magpies were muted on Wednesday and if Manchester City are to make a real push for the Premier League title, the Canaries must be quietened tomorrow afternoon.
3-0
Line-Up
Injury trouble looks to be a problem that will cling to the back of our squad for the entire season as Stevan Jovetic limped off with a calf injury after just ten minutes of play on Wednesday night.
Stevan Jovetic has struggled to stay injury free since his £22m move to Manchester City in the summer.
To make matters worse, Vincent Kompany has been ruled out for a further three weeks and is expected to return to the team after the International break. Vincent's stand-in, Javi Garcia, has also been ruled out of tomorrow's game with a minor knock.
Key Players
Sergio Aguero
A well earned rest on Wednesday night will have Sergio raring to go on Saturday afternoon. Despite recent comments made by Diego Maradona, I don't expect Aguero to be a 'wimp' tomorrow and I expect him to add to his superb goalscoring tally.
John Ruddy
With Joe Hart on the sidelines tomorrow afternoon, Roy Hodgson's eyes will be focused on his No.2 who has recently signed a new four-year contract with the Canaries despite reported interest from Chelsea.
