Premier League preview: Man City v Aston Villa

Carlos Tevez will no doubt be the centre of attention once again when his Manchester City side host Aston Villa on Tuesday.

The Argentine forward shocked the football world when he submitted a transfer request just over a fortnight ago, citing a wish to return home and a breakdown in his ‘relationship with certain executives and individuals at the club’.

But fast-forward two weeks and Tevez – who withdrew his request to leave – was mobbed by his team-mates after snaring a double and setting up the other goal in the club’s 3-1 win at Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

His importance to the club cannot be denied with 12 goals in 17 Premier League games and the Argentine will again be a key figure against Aston Villa.

Without a major trophy in 34 years, City – who sit second in the Premier League – are finally starting to dream but they will need to reverse a home record which shows they have won just one league match in their last five at the City of Manchester Stadium.

A short injury list has helped City boss Roberto Mancini’s cause, with Emmanuel Adebayor the only senior member of City’s squad sidelined.

They will face a Villa side who have not won away in the league since September and have dropped to 15th.

New boss Gerard Houllier will no doubt have his side fired up after a 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham on Boxing Day, with his side failing to make the most of a numerical advantage that lasted for more than hour after Jermain Defoe was sent off.

Midfielder Fabian Delph made his return to the side in the match after an eight-month lay-off due to cruciate ligament injury and could potentially be a key figure in the second half of the season.

The former Leeds midfielder has a penchant for scoring outstanding goals and is sure to join the likes of youngsters Marc Albrighton and Barry Bannan who have impressed at Villa Park this season.

Like City, Villa’s injury list is not extensive with Ashley Young the only member of Houllier’s first-choice team on the sidelines.

The match will also see James Milner face his old side for the first time.

Milner was inspirational last season for Villa, firing them to the Carling Cup final and dominating in the heart of midfield, before making a big money swap to Man City in August.