After the tonic of walloping their neighbors and rivals Manchester United in their previous fixture, Manchester City will be looking to continue the revitalization of their Premier League title challenge by improving their away form at Aston Villa. Hitherto, the champions of two seasons ago have struggled on their travels, and are still looking for their first away win in the Premier League this season.
Villa have made an acceptable start to the season, but the loss of Christian Benteke, who was injured in their previous fixture, is sure to hit Villa’s hopes hard, as the Belgian has become a huge part of the Villa line-up.
What to expect from the Match
Goals!!!
City’s form is impressive as they have won by huge margins in their recent three games, which were: 3-0 against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, 4-1 against rival Manchester United in the Premier League, and a whopping 5-0 win against Wigan Athletic in the League Cup.It seems like the Blues are living up to expectations after suffering a defeat against Cardiff City in the first game of their campaign.City will look to launch an offensive thrust through the wings and capitalise on set pieces, without compromising patience by employing Manuel Pellegrini’s philosophy of opting for short passes and keep possession to frustrate opponents.
Aston Villa will be forcing the opposition to make errors and rely on the counter-attack.After winning a stunner in their first game against Arsenal FC, the Villans has since struggled to rack up wins, but was fortunate to come up with a 1-0 squeaker against Norwich.However, morale is low at Villa Park as they were just handed an embarrassing4-0 defeat by the Tottenham Hotspur FC.With Christian Benteke out because of a hip injury and Gabriel Agbonlahor unsure to suit up, expect the Villans to bleed for goals.Moreover, defending is also a suspect for them as they have conceived 7 goals in their last 6 outings.
Villa have won 25%, drawn 25% and lost 50% of their last 20 home games, having kept a clean sheet in 20% and failing to score in 35% of those games.Man City have won 45%, drawn 30% and lost 25% of their last 20 away games, having kept a clean sheet in 55% and failing to score in 35% of those games.
Players to watch out for
Alexander Weimann(Aston Villa):With Benteke out, and Agbonlahor doubtful to start, Weimann is going to be the man to lead the line for Aston Villa. He will have to put in a great shift up front, sharing both the creative and scoring burdens, if Aston Villa will hope to get something out of this game.
YayaToure(Manchester City):The Ivorian has be the lynchpin of the powerful performances that City have put in over the last couple of weeks. His powerful presence, passing ability and vision has ensured that City dominate the midfield. He will also be a threat from set-pieces with his excellent delivery.
Predicted Starting line ups
Aston Villa: Christian Bentekeis out because of a hip injury and Gabriel Agbonlahoris unsure to suit up. Charles N’Zogbia and JoresOkore are also out due to injuries, while Ashley Westwood might get back from a knock.
Manchester City:Defender Martin Demichelis is still recuperating from his knee injury, while ace playmaker David Silva’s participation, who sat out the game against Wigan on Tuesday, remains to be seen.
Predictions
City are strong odds on favorites to win this one, as is usually the case for most of their fixtures. However, their away form hasn’t exactly inspired confidence so far this season and Villa have picked up some good wins at Villa Park over the last year or so.
Aston Villa 0-3 Manchester City