Seeking to end their woeful run of form and pick up a positive result, Manchester City will travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa in the Premier League this Saturday
Following the dramatic derby day defeat last weekend, the Sky Blues have lost five of their last seven league games. This has seen them drop out of the top four, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool having played one game more. So, Pep Guardiola’s side can hardly afford any more slip-ups if they are to create a trademark push and return to the title race.
However, it won’t be easy away at Aston Villa, who, however, come into this game off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City’s injury list has eased somewhat over the past fortnight, with Mateo Kovacic and John Stones back on the bench for last week’s derby disaster. Manuel Akanji could overcome a pelvis problem in time to play, while versatile full-back Rico Lewis returns from a one-game suspension.
Predicted Manchester City Lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Ederson has been crying out for a clean sheet for some time now, failing to keep one in the Manchester derby last weekend. The Brazilian requires more protection from his defenders to keep a shutout on Saturday.
Defence
One change is certain to happen in defence; Rico Lewis—free from suspension—should replace Matheus Nunes at left-back. Despite his poor displays, Kyle Walker is set to keep his spot at right-back as Guardiola doesn’t have too many backup options. Although Nunes didn’t do too badly before his error in conceding the penalty in the derby, he will likely drop to the bench.
Putting the work in 💪 pic.twitter.com/YnQDFOipNb
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 19, 2024
While John Stones is back from injury, Pep Guardiola will stick with Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in central defence. The duo have to be vigilant from the start to keep Ollie Watkins and Co. quiet.
Midfield
Mateo Kovacic returned from injury on Sunday and played some minutes in the Manchester derby. The Croat could walk straight into the Manchester City lineup, partnering Ilkay Gundogan in the double pivot in central midfield. They will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game.
Kevin de Bruyne should take up the No.10 spot, trying to use his invention and vision to unlock Villa’s high defensive line. After his big mistake in the derby that brought Manchester United into the game, Nunes is expected to be dropped from the Manchester City lineup.
Attack
Jeremy Doku and Savinho will provide width, creativity and dynamism from the left and right wing, respectively. Guardiola will expect them to be fearless and take on Villa’s full-backs.
Leading the City attack will be none other than Erling Haaland, who had an extremely subdued Manchester derby. The Norwegian will be hungry to score goals and get back some confidence. The likes of Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and Nunes could be introduced off the bench when required.
Predicted Manchester City Lineup
