Gil's substitution means we have avoided the confusing trio of Carlos Sanchez, Carles Gil and Charles N'Zogbia all being on the pitch at the same time.

N'Zogbia is getting his first minutes of the season, having been frozen out by previous manager Tim Sherwood. Can he make an impression?

It should be 1-0 now. Jesus Navas picks out Kevin De Bruyne with a teasing ball into the six-yard box, but the Belgian makes a mess of trying to flick the ball into the net and it rolls away.

Shortly after, Raheem Sterling blazes a shot over the bar.

Image source, AFP/GETTY

Charles N'Zogbia, used to be a footballer once.

Comes on for Carles Gil.

Brian Little
ex-Aston Villa player & manager on BBC WM 95.6

“Man City are upping the pressure, they would consider a draw here a poor result considering Villa’s league position and they are now pressing a lot harder for the win they need.”     

Bodies on the line stuff from Villa. Firstly from Micah Richards and then Ciaran Clark.

They don't look like a team bottom of the table at the moment.

Fred Eyre
Former Man City player on BBC Radio Manchester

"I think it's one of those games where City will look to one of their special players. It'll be interesting to see the philosophy of the new Villa manager, they are the home team and need to get off the bottom of the table."

Remi Garde pops a sweet into his mouth like a naughty schoolboy who shouldn't be eating in class. 

Further encouragement is given to his players. They respond by gaining possession for the first time in the second half. Can they make anything of it?

It's just a matter of before a City goal comes.

Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling both finding space in the box, seeing shots blocked by the creaking Villa defence.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, PA

Dave, Manchester: Do Villa fans ever welcome old players back? Vassell, Barry, Delph. Bitter, bitter Brummies. 

Toby, Bournemouth: Ugh I'm fed up of people watching one goalless half to one game and then coming out with stuff about how bad the Premier League is. There are dull games in every league, stop moaning and enjoy the most competitive league in the world. 

Here's that Raheem Sterling chance in graphical form. #pointblankrange

Image source, Opta

City on top now. Jesus Navas is getting space down the right and the Villa defence is having to scramble back to get any part of their anatomy on the ball to stop it from going in the net. How long can they hold out for?

Image source, Reuters

There were some brilliant goals in October. Vote for your favourite from the eight options in the voting section of this page.

Image source, BBC Sport

We've just seen the best and worst of Brad Guzan in a matter of minutes. Jesus Navas picks out Raheem Sterling with a cross and the England man's header is destined for the back of the net, but comes back of Guzan's own head. The goalkeeper knows nothing about it, he stood up tall, takes one for the team and preserves a clean sheet.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Brian Little
ex-Aston Villa player & manager on BBC WM 95.6

“It looks like Villa are approaching this game in 15 minute sections and are reviewing and analysing things bit by bit, trying to keep their shape and adapting to the style of the game.”

Image source, EPA

Aleksandar Kolarov whips the free-kick in and more insecure handling from Brad Guzan. The goalkeeper drops the balls bang in front of goal, but is tahnkful to see his team-mate hook the ball away.

Idrissa Gana slips and tumbles into the back of Yay Toure, who hobbles away. A free-kick on right side of the box for the visitors...

Villa are stroking it around nicely. Jordan Amavi picks out Scott Sinclair with a cute chipped ball, but the Englishman can't get it under control.

Once again, Remi Garde glares on while standing inside his technical area.

Scott Sinclair trying to get the better of Bacary Sagna, but the Frenchman is too strong for his opponent.

The Aston Villa man is on the ground, looking unhappy. Probably thinking about the time he spent at Manchester City.

Dave: Bony no loss him and Sterling 2 of the biggest wastes of money on players this season. Sterling not strong enough and divers should be ashamed of themselves. All the money paid for their supposed skill

Tom, Bristol: Lots of people saying we've missed Delph this season. Just not true. He's a player that lacks any end product (hence bench warming for City today - as he will do for his whole 'career' there). That said, would be just our luck if he comes off the bench to score!

So, 0-0 at half time, what does it mean for both sides?

City have won nine of their last 12 Premier League games that have been 0-0 at the break.

Aston Villa have won only three of their last 23 Premier League games that have been 0-0 during the interval.