Manchester City are heading to Villa Park this Saturday with one thing in mind: snapping out of their rough patch. After a dismal 2-1 loss to United last weekend, the champions are now fifth in the Premier League table—unfamiliar territory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Their last win feels like it’s buried deep in the archives, but this is City we’re talking about. A rebound is always on the cards, and Aston Villa could be the perfect stage. However, the team’s mounting injuries and suspensions aren’t making life any easier.
Key Updates:
Manuel Akanji could make his return after recovering from a knock.
Rico Lewis is back from suspension and raring to go.
Rodri, Nathan Ake, and Oscar Bobb are all sidelined, leaving Pep to shuffle his options.
RECALL:
Flashback to last season: City triumphed over Aston Villa with clinical precision, thanks to some Haaland heroics. Fans will hope for a repeat, especially with the Norwegian back in the lineup.
QUOTES:
Here’s what Pep Guardiola had to say ahead of the match:
“We know the situation is not ideal, but the season is long. Every game is a chance to show our best.”
On Rico Lewis returning, Pep added:
“Rico is young, but he has a maturity in his game that we need right now.”
CITATIONS:
The confirmed team news and predictions are sourced from TNT Sports, who will also be broadcasting the game live at 12:30 pm GMT on Saturday.
KEEP IN MIND:
City fans, brace yourselves. While the lineup looks promising, Aston Villa aren’t pushovers—especially at home. Still, with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden set to start, there’s every reason to believe City can leave Villa Park with all three points.
Predicted XI: Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne, Foden; Savinho, Haaland, Doku.
Will this be the match that reignites City’s season? Tune in and find out.
