The biggest question before Manchester City hosts Norwich has been settled: Joe Hart will be on the bench, while Romanian Costel Pantilimon will get the start. That signals that manager Manuel Pellegrini’s patience may have finally run out for his up-and-down English goalkeeper.
(MORE: Joe Hart dropped for Manchester City vs. Norwich)
In the last two seasons between City and Norwich, 25 goals have been scored, so the new man is sure to see some action between the posts.
For Norwich, Nathan Redmond (thigh) and striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel (ankle) were in doubt before the match, and they have indeed been left off the match-day squad completely for the Canaries.
City may have lost two of its last four, but Norwich has only won once in its previous six matches. Neither side will want to drop points today, with the host side trying to remain within striking distance at the top of the table, and the visitors trying to scrap their way out of the relegation zone.
You can watch the game live on NBC Sports Live Extra, on your television and online, with coverage starting at 11 a.m. ET.
STARTING XIs
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Costel Pantilimon — Gaêl Clichy, Matija Nastasić, Martin Demichelis, Pablo Zabaleta — Yaya Touré, Fernandinho — David Silva, Sergio Agüero, Samir Nasri — Alvaro Negredo
Bench: Joe Hart — Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Aleksandar Kolarov, Jesus Navas, James Milner, Edin Džeko
Norwich City (4-4-2): John Ruddy — Sébastien Bassong, Steven Whittaker, Michael Turner, Russell Martin — Martin Olsson, Bradley Johnson, Leroy Fer, Anthony Pilkington — Jonathan Howson, Gary Hooper
Bench: Mark Bunn — Wes Hoolahan, Johan Elmander, Javier Garrido, Luciano Becchio, Ryan Bennett, Josh Murphy
