Aston Villa welcome Manchester City to Villa Park this week as they look to maintain their amazing home form against the toughest of opposition. Here is our predicted XI…
This season has been great so far for Aston Villa with them currently sat in the Champions League spots and just four points off top spot.
Under Unai Emery, Villa have been superb at home this season, having lost just three games at Villa Park in 2023.
With Manchester City and Pep Guardiola rocking up to Villa Park, the Villans face their sternest home test this season.
Last time out both sides drew, with the Cityzens hosting Tottenham Hotspur and falling to a 3-3 draw. Emery’s side travelled to Bournemouth and fell behind twice in the game. Thanks to goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins, Villa were able to secure a point.
Rodri and Jack Grealish missing for the visitors this midweek. The Villans have a chance to cause an upset and secure a famous three points. With that being said, here is our predicted XI for Aston Villa vs Man City…
Aston Villa Predicted XI
You know the drill by now. Emi Martinez will be in goal for Villa as he always is. Last time out he was on top of his game and received plenty of praise. He will have to be at his best to keep out Erling Haaland and Co.
The back four has been rotated in recent weeks with Diego Carlos coming in and Ezri Konsa shifted out wide. At Villa Park, Emery often opts for a more offensive style compared to playing away from home. With that being said, a back line consisting of Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, Matty Cash and Konsa is in our predicted XI.
The midfield options welcome Boubacar Kamara back who will come in alongside Douglas Luiz. On one side of the midfield four will be captain, John McGinn, who has been quiet in recent weeks. Leon Bailey was superb against Bournemouth and will be hopeful of keeping his place. With that being said, Youri Tielemans will also be hopeful of starting once again. How Emery decides to play will alter who starts the encounter. In our predicted XI we have opted for Bailey out wide.
After his performance against Bournemouth and all season long, Watkins will keep his place up top for Villa. Alongside him needs to be Moussa Diaby and not Nicolo Zaniolo. The Italian was poor against the Cherries and received a 6.3 rating on SofaScore for his performance. He needs to be dropped in place of the Frenchman for that reason.
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, McGinn, Kamara, Luiz, Bailey, Diaby, Watkins
