Premier League: Manchester City v Aston Villa match preview
A look ahead to this week’s Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium
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Your support makes all the difference.With the usual twists and turns of the premier league season continuing to emerge, Man City will solidify themselves as firm favourites to win the title should they better Aston Villa at home tonight. City, who sit one point behind Liverpool in the table but have a crucial game in hand, will return to the top of the premier league with a win at the Etihad, ensuring they control their title hopes moving into the final game of the season.
Following Liverpool’s shock 3-3 draw to Crystal Palace on Monday, City have a perfect opportunity to try and secure their second premier league title in three years.
Aston Villa, who are safe from relegation after beating Hull 3-1 at the weekend, will have the support of not only their own followers but also Liverpool’s and Chelsea’s. Villa had been flirting dangerously close with the relegation zone prior to their victory over Hull, with Paul Lambert’s last win being recorded in March.
Although City boast a significantly stronger side, Aston Villa have been renowned for beating big teams this season. With wins over Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City this season, Aston Villa certainly have the record to prove they are capable of an upset.
With any result tonight destined to have significant implications on who is to win the premier league title this year, look for any outcome to be a real possibility.
KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm
PAST MEETINGS:
Aston Villa 3 (El Ahmadi, Bacuna, Weimann) Man City 2 (Toure, Dzeko), Premier League, September 2013
Aston Villa 0 Man City 1 (Tevez), Premier League, March 2013
Man City 5 (Silva, Aguero (2), Tevez (2)) Aston Villa 0, Premier League, November 2012
Man City 2 (Balotellie, Kolarov) Aston Villa 4 (Barry (og), Agbonlahor (2), N’Zogbia), Capital One Cup, November 2012
STATS:
Manchester City have won 10 of their last 11 home games against Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League (L1).
Villa need three points from their last two Premier League games of 2013-14 to match the total they recorded last season (41).
Manchester City have scored 150 goals this season in all competitions, 107 more than Aston Villa (43).
Aston Villa have taken just two points from their last seven Barclays Premier League away games (D2 L5)
City last scored 100 goals in the top-flight back in 1957-58 (104 but only came fifth).
ODDS:
Man City to win: 1.15
Aston Villa to win: 19.0
Draw: 10.0
TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on BBC One at 10.40pm
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