Prediction: Aston Villa vs Manchester City

Prediction: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 1/6

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back this weekend and while it may have sounded incredibly strange over a decade ago, Aston Villa vs Manchester City on Sunday is going to serve as something of a David vs Goliath encounter. Once upon a time it was Villa battling it out for a place in the top four, but those memories are long gone now as they try and avoid dropping back down to the Championship at the first time of asking. City, on the other hand, have some work to do if they want to retain their title.

Aston Villa

The theme of this campaign has been injuries for Aston Villa, which is a shame, given how hard they worked to try and get back into the top flight in the first place. There’s still a long way to go and it seems as if they’re going to be making some interesting moves in the January transfer window, but at this stage, it’s all about scratching and clawing for every point they can get their hands on. It’s going to be tough, but it definitely feels like they’ve got the right man in charge – with the fact that they’re one game away from a cup final serving as proof of that.

Team News

Smith is set to go with three at the back once again with Heaton, Steer, McGinn, Targett, Davis and Wesley all being ruled out. The only other doubt, at this moment in time, is Kodjia.

Manchester City

There’s no point in getting down in the dumps about the departure of Mikel Arteta or the losses that City have suffered so far this season – their fans need to accept that and focus on the future, because the next few games are going to be incredibly crucial for them. They obviously need Liverpool to have quite a notable collapse in order to win the Premier League title, but all they can do is focus on their own game as opposed to concentrating too much on what teams around them are doing.

Team News

Sane is still the only long term absence with Laporte also being ruled out here, although both are close to a return. Aside from that, Guardiola has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in October, Manchester City won 3-0.
• Aston Villa have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Manchester City have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Aston Villa have scored six goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
• Manchester City have scored 16 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

Villa tend to have a trick or two up their sleeve but they’re coming off the back of a tough semi-final game against Leicester, and they’re expected to turn in a performance against the reigning Champions of England with a depleted squad. This is going to be really ugly and while City also had a semi-final to contend with, they’ve got a much deeper squad and they had an extra day to prepare. We think the visitors are going to ruin riot over Dean Smith’s men at Villa Park.

Prediction: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 1/6

Bookmaker: bet365