Manchester, Dec 21: Manchester City look to close the gap on Premier League leaders and rivals when they host an under pressure Reading side at the Etihad Stadium.

The English champions are six points behind the table toppers but are confident to clinch three points at home against the Royals who are currently on a run of six losses.

Brian McDermott's side are currently bottom of the table with nine points and their current run could only get worse with City proving unbeatable at home.

City playmaker Samir Nasri suffered a groin injury which would keep him out of the Christmas period. Roberto Mancini could replace the French man with Scott Sinclair who has made only four appearances.

Reading are without goalkeeper Alex McCarthy but veteran striker Jason Roberts, defender Sean Morrison and midfielder Jem Karacan could be available.

Trivia:

*Manchester City lost 3-2 to rivals Manchester United which ended their two-year unbeaten record at home.

*City won 1-0 against Reading in their previous meeting on Mar 13, 2011.

Probable Lineups:

Manchester City (4-4-2): Hart-Zabaleta, Clichy, K Toure, Nastasic-Sinclair, Garcia, Silva, Y Toure-Aguero, Tevez.

Reading (4-4-2): Federici-Shorey, Mariappa, Gorkss, Cummings-Leigertwood, McAnuff, Kebe, Tabb-Le Fondre, Hunt.

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