Striker crisis means James Milner plays as 'false nine' for Manchester City

Sergio Aguero, Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko were all absent for the Premier League champions and reports are suggesting that James Milner could play as a false nine.

City made six changes to the side that won at Leicester with Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis and Aleksandar Kolarov coming into the defence, Fernandinho and Jesus Navas bolstering the midfield and Milner apparently being asked to perform up front.

The England international is known for his versatility, filling it at full-back on occasions and all across the midfield, but a role as a striker is a new departure.

Man City team: Hart, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Navas, Yaya Toure, Silva, Nasri, Milner. Subs: Caballero, Boyata, Sagna, Fernando, Lampard, Ambrose, Sinclair.

Crystal Palace team: Speroni, Kelly, Dann, Hangeland, Ward, Bolasie, Jedinak, Ledley, McArthur, Puncheon, Campbell. Subs: Hennessey, Mariappa, Delaney, Bannan, Thomas, Zaha, Gayle.