Prediction: Aston Villa vs Manchester City

11th February 2012

Aston Villa will be aiming to end their three-match winless run when they host Manchester City, the team that need at least one point to return to the top of the standings. The Citizens slipped to second as Man Utd beat Liverpool, and the Red Devils thus put an extra pressure on Roberto Mancini’s side.

Even if Aston Villa currently sit in the bottom half of the standings, I cannot help but feel that they are looking much better than last season. The results under Alex McLeish may not have been impressive, but the performances have improved a great deal and the Villans certainly deserved to take quite a few points more than they now have. The likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Alan Hutton and Stephen Ireland have really raised their game this season, and that is something the new boss has to be given credit for. After the good run of results that saw Villa beat both Chelsea and Wolverhampton away, Alex McLeish’s side failed to win any of their next three games, but the good showings against Arsenal and Newcastle can give the team something to build on before the clash with Manchester City. James Collins and Marc Albrighton have recovered, but are not fit enough to be included in the starting line-up, whereas Gabriel Agbonlahor remains a doubt.

Manchester City took advantage of United’s draw with Chelsea to create a two-point cushion at the top, but the Citizens now need to beat Aston Villa in order to keep the advantage as their rivals have already beaten Liverpool on Saturday. United’s victory is likely to put an extra pressure on Roberto Mancini’s men, but that is not the only problem going into this very important clash. While the Citizens remain the only side that haven’t dropped a single point at their Etihad Stadium, they continue to struggle on the travels, having won just two of last nine away games in all competitions. Add to that the fact that Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure and Mario Balotelli are all out of this game, and you will understand why I am not too keen on backing City here. With Vincent Kompany and Samir Nasri doubtful with knee and groin injury respectively, the visitors cannot feel too optimistic at the moment.

Conclusion

While Aston Villa were unlucky not to win any of their last three games, they have played some very good football of late and the Villans certainly have enough quality to get something from this match. Manchester City are far from impressive on the travels and with all the problems the Citizens face at the moment, they cannot be trusted to claim maximum points at Villa Park.

Verdict: Double chance on Aston Villa

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Stan James