Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps who will turn their respective attentions back to Premier League duties on Sunday afternoon, Aston Villa will welcome Manchester City to the Midlands.
Aston Villa
Starting with the hosts, suffering a shock Europa League collapse earlier in the week as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss away at Dutch outfit Go Ahead Eagles, Aston Villa are desperately seeking an immediate response here. Watching their stunning five-match winning run come to an abrupt end, Unai Emery’s men know the importance of quickly dusting themselves down and showing no signs of a hangover on Sunday afternoon. However, last seen in Premier League action mounting their own respective comeback as they clinched a 2-1 victory against Tottenham in north London, Villa should be excited by their recent success on home soil. Heading into October’s international break with a 2-1 win against top-flight newcomers Burnley, Emery’s side have won all of their last three consecutive showdowns in the Midlands by an aggregate score of 6-2.
Aston Villa Team News
Once again missing out in Holland on Thursday and still dealing with a recent calf issue, Belgium international Youri Tielemans remains on the sidelines. However, after not travelling to the Netherlands in midweek, Ross Barkley should return to Emery’s squad here.
All settling for a spot on the bench earlier in the week, the likes of John McGinn, Matty Cash and England international Morgan Rodgers will be handed full recalls. Nothing a maiden Villa strike on foreign soil in midweek, summer recruit Evann Guessand will be hoping to keep his spot from the start.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have entered September’s international break in the midst of a public wobble, Pep Guardiola’s camp have come roaring back in a remarkable fashion. Putting in a routine performance earlier in the week as they clinched a 2-0 Champions League victory away at Villarreal, the Sky Blues are enjoying what has become a real flurry. Marking their return from October’s fortnight interval with another 2-0 win at home against Everton, the former Barcelona boss has not seen his superstar squad suffer a single defeat from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Suddenly dreaming of the chance to recapture their Premier League crown this season, Guardiola’s side will be looking to make another public statement when they travel to the Midlands on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester City Team News
Suffering a reported hamstring injury in the opening exchanges against Brentford earlier in the month, Manchester City will once again be without midfield talisman Rodri here. However, ex-Eintracht Frankfurt marksman Omar Marmoush could make a first Premier League appearance since August 31st.
Embarking on what has been a record-breaking romp since opening up the new campaign and already registering 11 Premier League strikes, the red-hot Erling Haaland will be looking to extend on his sensational run of form here. Despite still waiting to open his domestic account, Jeremy Doku should keep his spot alongside Haaland in the final third.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Aston Villa and Manchester City last met for a Premier League showdown back on April 22nd, the Sky Blues collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- Manchester City are unbeaten in all of their previous nine appearances across all competitions.
- Aston Villa’s 2-1 loss away at the Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday brought an end to their five-match winning run.
- Erling Haaland has registered 11 goals in his first eight Premier League appearances this season.
- Eight of the previous nine meetings between Aston Villa and Man City have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
In a contest that tends to produce plenty of action when they meet, neutrals will be hoping for another Premier League thriller on Sunday afternoon. Embarking on what has been an extended purple patch and not suffering a single defeat from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions, Manchester City will be desperate to make another title statement here. However, it should be noted, with eight of the last nine showdowns between Sunday’s opponents finishing with both teams finding the net, chances could come thick and fast from Villa Park this weekend.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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