Manchester City - Aston Villa prediction
Man City host Aston Villa in a game that is important for them not only in terms of the need to pick up points in the title race.
But also from a psychological point of view.
The club's board and manager Pep Guardiola are coming out with cold-blooded statements.
But the situation surrounding their eventual punishment for financial machinations cannot help but affect the psyche.
And from there on the game of the football players.
Otherwise, at their "Etihad", Manchester City remain as strong as we saw them in their championship years.
Here they have won 9 times in 11 appearances so far this season in the Premier League.
They score a lot, but also regularly concede - only 4 dry nets in these 11 matches.
For their part, Aston Villa have scored in their last 3 visits, each of which has been won .
But today that streak will end. Because I don't expect a surprise from Man City.
Correct Score Prediction: 3-1 or 4-1.
Manchester City - stats and info
Manchester City's bid for a hat-trick of Premier League title triumphs has been shaken.
And from a double whammy in the last few days.
Harry Kane's 15th-minute strike saw them lose 0–1 at Tottenham , the champions' 4th league defeat of the season.
At the same time, came the bad news related to financial fair play.
Citizens were charged with more than 100 alleged rule violations.
The case has been referred to an independent commission. And the Citizens could find themselves with points deducted.
Or even be banned from the Premier League if found guilty.
A statement in response said:
“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent panel.
To impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists.
We look forward to putting an end to this matter once and for all.”
For now , Manchester City are playing catch-up to Arsenal in the title race this season.
Trailing them by 5 points before this round.
But Kyle Walker is confident they can do well.
"There is still a lot of football to be played," he declared.
"I've been in the Premier League for many, many years and I know the twists and turns that can happen.
I know what this team is and what it can do.
We can continue to compete from now until the end of the season and it's just a matter of doing it.”
Aston Villa - statistics and info
Aston Villa fought bravely to draw 1-1 with Man City at home in September.
But lost 9 straight games to the Citizens before that.
Unai Emery's side looked in good form.
When back-to-back wins over Leeds and Southampton made it 6 wins from 9 games for them in the Premier League.
However, last weekend 's 2-4 home defeat by struggling Leicester brought them back down to earth.
The Midlands side took the lead twice through Ollie Watkins and a Harry Suter own goal.
But he ended up contributing to his own downfall with a series of costly mistakes.
"I think we were unbeaten in January - 3 wins and 1 draw," said world champion goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
"We thought it was time to take the next step, to be closer to Europe.
It's really, really hard to take.”
Emery said after the game that he will continue to make his team play solidly at the back .
Although Aston Villa's mistakes led to all the goals conceded.
However, this could prove to be a dangerous game when faced with City's high pressing tactics and goal hungry Haaland!
Squads and injured footballers
Manchester City
Lineup: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Laporte, Ake; Gundogan, Rodry, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish
Injured: Stones
Aston Villa
Lineup: Martinez; Kash, Konsa, Mings, Moreno; Kamara, Lewis, Ramsey; Buendia, Watkins, Bailey
Injured: Stier, Carlos
Leave a Comment