England Premier League
Wednesday 1st December 2021
Kick off at 8:15pm GMT
Venue: Villa Park
Match Preview:
Steven Gerrard has been all the rage at Aston Villa since he quit the Rangers job to take over from Dean Smith. Many predicted that the step up from the Scottish Premiership would be too much for Gerrard and his managerial duties but so far it’s 2 games managed and 2 games won.
Those victories came against Brighton and Crystal Palace and the Palace victory was underlined as a really great win given it was away to a side who have been impressive themselves. It’s also 4 goals scored in two games and there is a buzz back at Villa now.
The club have moved up to 13th place and have 16 points and their objectives are going to plan already at this early stage of Gerrard’s new career. However he will know the extent of the job at hand for his 3rd game in charge as he faces the best team in the country in Manchester City.
Manchester City closed the gap on Chelsea last weekend as they saw the Blues draw at home to Manchester United. City beat West Ham 2-1 and although the result suggests it was a close game it really wasn’t. City look strong and they have won their last 3 games. On the road it is 4 games won from six with just one loss but they have won their last 2 and are undefeated on the road for the past 3 months.
The champions would go top of the league if they win and Chelsea either lose or draw but for now Liverpool remain a threat also as they are in 3rd place and just one point behind Pep Guardiola’s team.
Team News:
Aston Villa: Bertrand Traore is still a few weeks away from a lengthy time out with his thigh. Trezeguet has some fitness issues, he could face a late assessment but is expected to miss out once again.
Manchester City: Kevin De Bruyne has been unavailable for the past few games because of illness due to Covid-19 but he could return for this game and there will be a late decision on his participation. Phil Foden is being tipped to make the squad after his knock. Jack Grealish also has a knock but is only 50/50 to make this game. Aymeric Laporte is suspended for this game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. Ferran Torres is out until the new year with a foot injury.
Aston Villa vs Man City Head to Head:
Last season Manchester City won this fixture 2-1.
Manchester City have won the last 7 meetings against Aston Villa in a row.
Aston Villa have not managed to beat Manchester City in any game since 2013.
There is a 70% chance to see over 2.5 goals.
Aston Villa vs Man City Prediction:
The key for Aston Villa is keeping the scores low and defending and focusing well. They have tasted victory and some form and the unit will be stronger for that but now they have to concentrate as this will be a game where they will spend long periods without the ball.
Gerrard will relish this opportunity but at the same time even if he understands that Villa have little chance to win he won’t want to be on the back of a hiding. City have some key attacking injuries although Grealish and De Bruyne could return they might be slightly rusty. Of course for Grealish it could be quite a return to his former club and will be his first since leaving Manchester City for £100m.
City are around 1.30 to win this game and we would all have preferred around 1.50 being the away side against a rejuvenated Villa. However Villa’s record over City is a stuff of nightmares and we shouldn’t be expecting that to end this weekend.
Aston Villa vs Man City Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (-1 Man City) at 1.525
Anytime goalscorer: Gabriel Jesus at 2.50
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