Pep Guardiola says finding a striker to fill "irreplaceable" club record scorer Sergio Aguero's role at Manchester City will be "one of my biggest challenges".

He has not given up hope that the 31-year-old, who has hit 244 goals for the club, will remain beyond the end of his contract in 2021.

It is anticipated Aguero will return to Argentina whenever he does leave City.

"He can stay but it depends on his physical condition and his desire," said Guardiola.

"Replacing him will be one of my biggest challenges because he is irreplaceable."

Aguero has scored 13 times for City this season, including nine in the Premier League. He starts for City for the first time in six games, having recovered from a muscle injury.

Image source, Getty Images

Looks VERY foggy over at the Molineux tonight. You can barely see the top stands. Tough night for the keepers?

Quite a few underlayers on show during the warm-ups too.

Conor McNamara
BBC Radio 5 live commentator

The counter-attacking speed of Adama Traore was perfectly deployed at the Etihad in October and Manchester City's defence will not be looking forward to facing him again.

In the last home game at Molineux, Tottenham grabbed a late winner to inflict Wolves' first league defeat since mid-September. Expect the always excellent atmosphere to be turned up another notch for this one as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to make amends.

Sergio Aguero made his first appearance in a month with an 89th minute cameo in City's win over Leicester. City fans will be keen to see more of him as Pep Guardiola goes in search of his 100th Premier League win.

Wolves

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo on resisting changes to starting XI: "We are ready and we want to compete. We don't think about what is coming afterwards, we focus on this game."

On facing a side of City's quality: "So many good players, it is a fantastic challenge for us.

"Let's look at Manchester City as a team and knowing a lot of things for us to focus on and solve. But let's not forget we have to play and get on the ball."

Pep Guardiola described the last time these two teams met as a "bad day."

It was in October, when Wolves shocked Manchester City to win 2-0 thanks to two goals from Adama Traore in the last 10 minutes.

It meant Manchester City fell eight points behind Liverpool in the title race, after dropping five points in their opening four home games of the season.

It was also the first time Wolves won in the top flight at Man City since 1979 and only the second time in 45 league games that the Blues had failed to score.

Wolves fans, here's the report from that game...

Image source, Getty Images

Javel Bleach: Let's not forget that the last time Liverpool lost in the PL was... early Jan 2018. And that within 2 months they had dropped 11 pts! Not over by a long shot.

'Tis the season to make lots of changes to your starting XI... unless you're Nuno Espirito Santo.

Despite a trip to Liverpool looming in less than 48 hours, the Wolves boss has named the same side which won at Norwich on Saturday.

And even Pep Guardiola has resisted to make wholesale changes - just the two from the side which began Saturday's home win against Leicester City.

As you know, the sick Gabriel Jesus is one of the players dropping out, with Sergio Aguero coming in for his first start since 23 November following a thigh injury which ruled him out of seven matches.

Spain midfielder Rodri is the other player recalled, a straight swap for Ilkay Gundogan.

Man City have work to do if they want to retain their Premier League title.

Leaders Liverpool now have a 13-point lead (and a game in hand) at the top of the table thanks to a stunning 4-0 win over Leicester yesterday.

It means Man City sit 14 points adrift - though, they can cut that gap to 11 with a win here today.

Victory for Wolves would see them climb up to fifth place, just two points off Chelsea in a top four position. They are currently in eighth place.

Image source, BBC Sport

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola on the absence of Gabriel Jesus: "Gabriel Jesus is sick. I don't know [whether he would have started ahead of Sergio Aguero]. I didn't have this choice. Yesterday, I knew Gabriel could not play."

On dealing with Adama Traore: "He is a motorcycle. It's almost impossible. Nobody can handle this pace."

On whether they can catch Liverpool: "Both are difficult."

Excellent news for Manchester City fans. Sergio Aguero STARTS. But there is no sign of Gabriel Jesus - he's not even on the bench!

Pep Guardiola makes two changes to the Man City team but Wolves' boss Nuno Espirito Santo has made none.

Full team news to come.

The festive period keeps rolling on!

It's just the one Premier League game tonight but it's a good one as defending champions Manchester City look to cling on (with their fingertips) to the title that has tilted heavily in Liverpool's favour.

They will need three points at Molineux though, against a Wolves team who have lost just two of their last 17 home games in the league.

No easy feat.

Image source, Getty Images