Aston Villa look to bounce back from their Europa League defeat in a tricky Premier League test against Manchester City.
Victory could lift Villa as high as sixth in the table if win by two goals or more, whilst Man City can return to second with a win.
Team News
Villa could welcome Lucas Digne back after he missed their Europa League defeat at Go Ahead Eagles due to an ankle injury, which he suffered in their 2-1 comeback win at Tottenham last weekend.
Andres Garcia (unspecified) and Youri Tielemans (calf) remain sidelined.
Man City could be without Nico Gonzalez after he suffered a foot injury during their Champions League victory at Villarreal.
Abdukodir Khusanov (ankle) and Rodri (hamstring) are still ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Villa host Man City at Villa Park on Sunday 26 October at 2pm GMT, live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Villa have won two of their last five meetings against Man City (W2, L3).
- Man City are winless in their last three visits to Villa (D1, L2).
- Last season’s two meetings between Villa and Man City ended in 2-1 victories to the team playing at home.
- Emiliano Buendia has scored in two of Villa’s last three league matches.
- Five of Erling Haaland’s 11 league goals for Man City this season were scored away from home.
Prediction
After a surprise defeat at Go Ahead Eagles amidst several changes, Villa now need to regroup and get straight back to winning ways but their defence need to be at their best to quieten Haaland, otherwise this could be a tough afternoon if concede first.
Man City meanwhile delivered another clinical display to beat Villarreal and it is hard to see what can stop them at present because they are so solid and confident, but they might need to bide their time if Villa go defensive and try to hit them on the counter attack.
I however can’t see Man City losing this despite their recent away rut in this fixture but Villa won’t make this easy.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Man City
Result: Aston Villa 1-0 Man City