Aston Villa vs Man City Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Title-holders Man City travel to Aston Villa desperately hoping to avoid a sixth defeat in eight Premier League games, which would pile further pressure on manager Pep Guardiola.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 21st December, 2024: UK – 12:30pm / US ET – 7:30am / US PT – 4:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / US – Universo
Aston Villa Preview: Home form key
Aston Villa have had a week to stew over blowing a lead away at Nottingham Forest, losing 2-1 to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. That result also ended a run of three consecutive wins in all competitions and sees them currently sat seventh-place in the Premier League.
However, being back at home here should prove beneficial when taking into account their form at Villa Park this season. Since being defeated 0-2 by Arsenal back in August, Unai Emery’s men have won four and drawn three of their last seven home Premier League fixtures.
Man City Preview: Champions unrecognisable
Right now, Man City are simply a shadow of the side who have won each of the last four Premier League titles. A nightmare run of results means they head to Aston Villa not even inside the top four after picking up just four points from the last 24 available.
Pep Guardiola’s side looked to have turned a corner after beating Southampton 3-0, but have since draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace before most recently collapsing in dramatic fashion late on in the Manchester derby. With the score at 1-0, Man City gave away a penalty in the 88th minute, which was duly converted before Man Utd completed the turnaround shortly after through Amad Diallo.
Aston Villa Team News: Emery waits on Bailey
After missing their last two games through a thigh injury, Villa will hope to have winger Leon Bailey back fit and available, whilst Tyrone Mings is fighting to recover from a virus in time to play some part in this one. Jacob Ramsey remains out, whilst Emery once again has a tough choice regarding whether to start Ollie Watkins or Jhon Duran up top.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Pau Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
Unavailable: Ramsey (Injured)
Questionable: Mings (Injured), Bailey (Injured)
Man City Team News: Lewis back from suspension
After being suspended for the Manchester derby, full-back Rico Lewis returns to the fold and could replace Kyle Walker. Jack Grealish could also be in line for a start against his former club after coming off the bench last weekend. However, the visitors are without defenders Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and young attacker Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Kovacic; Savinho, Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland
Unavailable: Akanji (Injured), Ake (Injured), Rodri (Injured), Bobb (Injured)
Questionable:
Aston Villa vs Man City Prediction
An excellent opportunity lies ahead for Aston Villa and to even contemplate the fact that the hosts may be disappointed if they fail to come away with three points against the champions, is a testament to the recent struggles faced by Man City. Guardiola’s side are at rock-bottom from a confidence perspective and you could argue the same about their manager.
Aston Villa are formidable at home and they’ll be expected to take the game to their opponents, who are notoriously fragile defensively. It would be a surprise if Villa failed to score at least once and that would then pile the pressure on Man City, who simply cannot seem to hold a lead at any stage. The smart move here is to back Aston Villa, via the safety of the draw no bet market.
Aston Villa vs Man City Tip: Aston Villa draw no bet
