Wagner makes three changes to starting XI
Jon Gorenc Stanković makes his Premier League debut as one of three changes to the starting XI for today’s game at Manchester City; 1.30pm kick-off at the Etihad Stadium.
The 22-year-old Slovenian centre back, who missed most of last season with a serious knee injury, comes in to replace the injured Zanka (thigh) in David Wagner’s defence.
Coincidentally, his last competitive First Team appearance also came at Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup meeting on 1 March 2017.
There is also a third ever Premier League start for Abdelhamid Sabiri, who makes his first appearance of the embryonic campaign after an impressive pre-season. He replaces Aaron Mooy in the line-up, as the former Manchester City midfielder’s wife is currently in labour.
It is Hamid’s first league start for Town since the 0-0 draw at Burnley in late September 2017.
Wagner’s third and final change is enforced as Jonathan Hogg is unavailable due to a hip problem. Another former Man City player, Tommy Smith, returns to captain the side.
Town’s final summer recruit, Isaac Mbenza, makes his first appearance in a match day squad among the substitutes alongside Danny Williams, who is involved for the first time since March following his long-term ankle injury.
Town’s team vs Manchester City
12. Ben Hamer
2. Tommy Smith (c)
5. Terence Kongolo
8. Philip Billing
15 Chris Löwe
21. Alex Pritchard
24. Steve Mounié
26. Christopher Schindler
27. Jon Gorenc Stanković
29. Abdelhamid Sabiri
33. Florent Hadergjonaj
Substitutes
Jonas Lössl, Adama Diakhaby, Ramadan Sobhi, Rajiv van La Parra, Isaac Mbenza, Danny Williams, Laurent Depoitre
