Manchester City are looking for a break from a terrible run of results when they visit Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola's side sank further into crisis last weekend behind them Miserable late defeat to local rivals Manchester Unitedan eighth defeat in their last 11 games and a result that leaves them nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool who have played a game more.
The trip to Villa Park will certainly test the strength of Man City's resolve in a game they lost last season. Guardiola has several defensive injuries take note and may have to go back to basics with his tactical instructions this weekend.
Here's how Man City can be lined up in the Midlands.
GC: Ederson – Ederson's return to the team after a few games on the bench has seen two successive defeats against Juventus and Man Utd. The Brazilian has been exposed by the wrong defense in front of him.
RB: Rico Lewis – The young and versatile defender was absent for the Manchester derby afterwards seeing red the weekend before against Crystal Palace. He has been used in a number of weird and wonderful roles this season, but a return to a more orthodox right-back role could be on the cards.
CB: John Stones – Stones' last two outings were both for Man City loss to Tottenham Hotspur but injuries to Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake mean the Englishman could return to the starting XI at Villa Park.
CB: Ruben Dias – Even the defiant and usually imperious Dias has been unable to solve Man City's defensive issues. The Portuguese is the best of an odd backline at the moment and things could have been a lot worse without him.
LB: Josko Guardiol Guardiol's form over the last month has been well below his best and mistakes have been too frequent. However, with no traditional left-back at home, Guardiol's place in the team is secure for now. At least he's a goal threat at the other end.
DM: Ilkay Gundogan – The German's decline has been clear to all since his return to the Etihad Stadium, but in fairness to the senior midfielder, he has been asked to fill Rodri's giant shoes.
DM: Mateo Kovacic – Kovacic made his first appearance since the November international break against Man Utd and the return of the Croatian will be welcomed with open arms by Guardiola. It should provide a much needed protective cover in the engine room.
RW: Bernardo Silva – The Portuguese is one of Man City's under-performing superstars, failing to reach his usual high standards. He will be asked to do a lot of work in both halves against a high intensity villa lateral.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – De Bruyne shone in Man City's only win in the last 11 against Nottingham Forest, but has been relatively quiet since then. The reigning Premier League the champions desperately need his magic on Saturday.
LW: Jeremy Doku – Often looking unstoppable and nasty at the same time, Doc can be unleashed like a little ram on Saturday. He should run relentlessly down Villa's left flank.
ST: Erling Haaland – The Norwegian had just 21 touches during the Manchester derby, three more than he enjoyed against Juventus in the Champions League. If he's not involved, he should just score, but Man City's general lethargy means that hasn't happened too often in recent weeks.