Kyle Walker is DROPPED by Pep Guardiola for Manchester City's game against Aston Villa after captain was ridiculed for 'cheating' during derby defeat against Man United
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Kyle Walker has been dropped by Pep Guardiola for Manchester City's trip to Aston Villa, with kick-off at 12.30pm. City's captain has been forced to settle for a place on the bench for a critical clash which could see the hosts overtake he champions with a win.
![[It has been a challenging season for the City captain amid mistakes, fitness issues, and a divorce battle with Annie Kilner]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/11/93378607-0-image-a-25_1734780336643.jpg)
He is one of six casualties from the 2-1 defeat by Manchester United, with Rico Lewis taking his place while Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku also drop to the bench. It comes after Walker, 34, was widely ridiculed for a play-acting dive in last weekend's Manchester derby - as he went to ground after a head-to-head confrontation with United's Rasmus Hojlund.
![[He went down theatrically after coming head-to-head with Rasmus Hojlund, sparking anger]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/21/11/93378799-14216487-image-a-38_1734780928348.jpg)
Walker theatrically threw himself to the floor in an apparent attempt to feign an injury - a move that has attracted widespread mockery. Roy Keane led criticism of the England international, telling Sky Sports: 'Walker must be embarrassed, to go down like that. Look at this. I don't know the guy and I'm embarrassed for him.'.
Piers Morgan said in response: 'Morgan said in response: 'Well said, Mr Keane. Absolutely pathetic from Walker.'. Kyle Walker has been dropped by Pep Guardiola for Manchester City's trip to Aston Villa. It has been a challenging season for the City captain amid mistakes, fitness issues, and a divorce battle with Annie Kilner.
He went down theatrically after coming head-to-head with Rasmus Hojlund, sparking anger. It has been a difficult season for Walker, who has made a series of high-profile errors and struggled to find full fitness. City have won 11 matches in all competitions this season and only two of those have come when Walker has started.
