Aston Villa take on their fiercest opponents of the 23/24 campaign so far as they host Manchester City.
The Premier League champions are coming to Villa Park, in what should be an enthralling encounter. There may not be a better time for Unai Emery to face the Cityzen’s squad, having just come off the back of a deflating draw to Tottenham Hotspur.
Saying this, the Villans also had to settle for a draw against Bournemouth at the weekend. A late Ollie Watkins equaliser snatched a point against the Cherries.
Villa will be looking to get back to winning ways, but that’s easier said than done against treble-winning opposition.
Paul Merson predicts Aston Villa vs Manchester City
The game should be a top fixture, with both sides having an emphasis on entertaining, attacking football. Paul Merson also predicts this one should be a cracker, making a bold score prediction in the process.
“What a game!” Merson tells SportsSkeeda. “I expect Arsenal to beat Luton, and they could go six points clear at the top of the Premier League table before this game kicks off. This is a massive game for City, and it could define their season.
“Man City are going to the hardest place you can visit in the Premier League at the moment. Aston Villa have a brilliant record at home.
“How many times have City been in front this season before giving away a lead? They were relentless last season – if their opponents fell behind, City used to drain the life out of them.
“They’re struggling to close out their games at the moment, and it’s a worry for them”, he continued. “I know that City turn up when they need to – that’s why they’re great.
“There’s something missing this season, however, and Villa will cause them some problems. This is a huge game for Manchester City, and I don’t see them winning it.”
- Paul Merson’s Prediction: Aston Vila 2 – 2 Manchester City
Unai Emery vs Pep Guardiola is some battle
A lot is going to come down to a sheer battle of managerial intellect from Emery and Guardiola.
The two managers along with their coaching staff are 100% up there with the Premier League’s elite, which reflects in both their favourable positions in the league this season.
Merson is right – Villa Park has been a fortress this season, but if any soldiers can penetrate Villa’s walls, it would arguably be the Cityzen’s. This is going to be a big one – you don’t want to miss it.
