Premier League: City Ready to Resume Mastery Over Villa

Manchester City vs Aston Villa

It’s been a couple of years since Manchester City and Aston Villa last met in the Premier League. But the Villans are back this season and are in bright form heading into their big encounter against the champions.

However, City have recovered well from their recent home setback against Wolves and will be eager to resume their dominance over Aston Villa in the Premier League.

The Premier League 2019 betting odds don’t give Villa much of a chance to come away from the Etihad with all three points. But City have already been stunned by one promoted side already this season, so they will be wise not to make the same mistake again.

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Talking Points

City back in control

Manchester City suffered a surprising stumble with a 2-0 home defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers before the international break. But manager Pep Guardiola has seemingly steadied the ship ever since.

They picked up a 2-0 win away at Crystal Palace, which is a good result considering Palace’s recent success against City in recent meetings. Then, City thrashed one of Italy’s top teams in Atalanta, 5-1 at home. Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick in that match, while Sergio Aguero bagged a brace.

Both of those matches featured Guardiola’s big tactical change of playing the defensive midfield duo of Rodri and Fernandino in the centre of their defence. That’s despite both John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi being healthy and available to play.

However, Rodri picked up a hamstring injury against Atalanta, which likely means that Stones will get a chance to reclaim his starting spot.

The return of Kevin de Bruyne to the line-up has also helped City a great deal. The Belgian didn’t play in their loss to Wolves, but he has returned to help orchestrate City’s prolific attack.

Sterling has been in brilliant form of late for club and country, while Bernardo Silva, Aguero, and Gabriel Jesus have also been among the goals. Bernardo and David Silva both didn’t take part in the Atalanta match, so they should be fit and fresh to face Villa.

City haven’t dropped points in back-to-back home games since April 2017, and it’s highly unlikely they start now against a newly promoted Villa side.

Villa in fine form

After a rocky start to the season, Aston Villa’s Premier League 2019 results have picked up. They’re currently on a three-match unbeaten run, which includes back-to-back victories over Norwich and Brighton.

Their 5-1 demolition of Norwich was a dream result and not one many expected. Meanwhile, they were rather fortunate to defeat Brighton as they needed a Matt Targett winner deep in stoppage time.

Aston Villa will look to continue their winning streak in Premier League when they face Manchester City — Jack Grealish celebrates scoring a goal with Aston Villa manager Dean Smith

Jack Grealish and John McGinn have been in brilliant form this season for the Villans. Grealish has scored in three of his last four matches in all competitions, while McGinn has also added three goals this season. Villa will need those two at the top of their game to trouble the City defence.

However, Villa’s bigger concern will be at the back. They have kept just one clean sheet in nine Premier League matches thus far and aren’t particularly equipped to soak up pressure.

Villa’s best strategy for this match is likely to be aggressive and look to pressure City and their backline, which still has some question marks. But it seems equally unlikely that they can keep City’s talented attackers at bay.

History

Manchester City have had a significant edge over Villa in recent matchups. They’ve gone unbeaten in their last six meetings (five wins, one draw) and have won 13 of their last 18 matches (two draws, three losses).

City have been especially dominant at home. They’ve scored three or more goals in each of their last seven Premier League home matches against Villa.

Sergio Aguero bagged a brace in their last meeting back in 2016, while Raheem Sterling has scored in his last two matches against Villa.

Betting Tip

	Manchester City vs Aston Villa	Total Goals 4-6 @ 1.79
	October 26, 19:30 (GMT+8)

The SBOBET odds for this match are quite remarkable. While City are predictably big favourites at 1.10, Villa are priced at an astronomical 23.00 to score an upset at the Etihad. Although City just recently lost at home, it’s hard to see those odds pay off.

However, I do expect there to be goals galore in this game. City just love scoring against Villa at home, and while these are different teams, their combination should still see a lot of goals flying in this match.

As City showed against Atalanta, they’re back in that goalscoring mood. Meanwhile, Villa’s defence is unlikely to provide much resistance.