Sky Bet make Joe Hart an odds-on chance to be between the sticks for Manchester City this weekend for their crucial clash against top-four rivals Aston Villa.

City have put in a request to recall Hart from his loan spell at Birmingham City and he is 4/7 to start in goal for them at Eastlands on Saturday.

Roberto Mancini’s side have been searching for a replacement keeper since first choice stopper Shay Given dislocated his shoulder at the weekend and with Hart away on loan and Stuart Taylor injured, rookie keeper Gunnar Nielsen could step up to fill the breach. Sky Bet make him 11/2 to start.

Manchester City have also approached Sunderland over the availability of Marton Fulop and Sky Bet go 5/2 that the Hungary international starts in goal against Villa. It’s 10/1 that any other keeper answers City’s call and 6/4 that they keep a clean sheet.

Sky Bet football betting spokesman Andy Clarke said: “Joe Hart has been outstanding for Birmingham all season and City have the money to make the Blues an offer they can't refuse to release him for the final games of the season - if the Premier League agree to it."

Currently lying in sixth position in the table with three games remaining, the Citizens’ odds of securing a top-four finish have been lengthened to 6/4 (from 5/4). Tottenham are Sky Bet’s 4/5 favourites for a Champions League berth, with Aston Villa a 15/2 chance and Liverpool 25/1.

Man City Goalkeeper v Aston Villa - Start in Goal v Villa
Hart, J. 4/7
Fulop, M. 5/2
Nielsen, G. 11/2
Other 10/1

Barclays Premier League To Be in Top 4
Tottenham 4/5
Man City 6/4
Aston Villa 15/2
Liverpool 25/1

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