Aston Villa vs Man City is the lunchtime test every title contender dreads. City are the only perfect side in the Premier League with seven straight wins, and Villa have won six of their last seven games in all competitions. Something has to give at Villa Park, and kick-off is 12.30pm UK time, which is also 12.30pm in Nigeria.
City’s Perfect Start Meets Villa’s Winning Habit
Enzo Maresca’s side have been ruthless. City have scored 19 goals and conceded just seven in their first seven league games, and they followed that with a 5-1 win over AEK Athens in the Champions League. Their lone recent stumble came in Europe, a 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, which only proves they can be rattled.
Villa are the opposite story. They sit 12th with eight points, yet their European form is superb. They are second in the Champions League league phase on nine points from three games. Unai Emery’s men beat Viking 3-1 in midweek and want a fourth successive win. They have scored in each of their last eight games in all competitions.
Haaland Watch: Can Villa Stop the Goal Machine?
Erling Haaland is the headline. He leads the Premier League with eight goals and has had the most shots, 27, and shots on target, 13, of any player this season. Villa’s defence has leaked, conceding 11 goals in seven games and still without a win at Villa Park this season. That is a dangerous combination against this striker.
Villa’s Secret Weapon: History
Here is why this fixture is no formality. Villa have beaten City in each of their last two Premier League meetings. Villa have won four of their last six league games against City, as many as in their previous 35. It is the kind of record that makes Emery smile and Maresca frown.
Key Battles to Watch
City’s attack vs Villa’s back line. City have scored three or more in four of their seven league games. Villa cannot simply sit back and hope.
Villa’s home form. Villa have collected just one point from three league matches at Villa Park. The crowd needs to turn this around fast.
Aston Villa vs Man City Prediction
The data leans City. Sports Mole gives City a 54.4 percent chance, Villa 23.3 percent and a draw 22.3 percent. Squawka tips a 3-1 City win, while Sportskeeda goes for 2-1 to City. Our pick is Aston Villa 1-2 Man City. Villa will score, because they always do, but City’s firepower should keep the perfect run alive.
You can also check out our YouTube for more sport news @ShapHub
