Can Aston Villa Repeat December’s Heroics and Close the Gap Man City?

Manchester City vs Aston Villa - 03/04/2024

Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

3612

Less than four months ago, Unai Emery’s side claimed a hugely impressive 1-0 victory over the reigning Premier League champions.

On Wednesday evening, Aston Villa will aim to emulate that performance when they take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

As it stands, third-placed Man City lead fourth-placed Villa by five points. Keep reading to discover all the key stats, trends, analysis and predictions for Wednesday’s showdown.

Manchester City played out a goalless draw with title rivals Arsenal on Sunday, despite racking up 73% possession and 12 shots on home soil.

Consequently, Pep Guardiola’s side find themselves one point behind the Gunners and three points shy of Liverpool as the race for the title intensifies.

It is worth remembering, however, that Man City have avoided defeat in each of their last 23 matches across all competitions, losing just one of their previous 33.

Better still, Guardiola’s men remain unbeaten at the Etihad this season, having picked up 10 wins and five draws in 15 Premier League home games.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, secured a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Moussa Diaby and Ezri Konsa scoring the goals in the West Midlands derby.

That result extended Villa’s unbeaten run to three games, with a solitary defeat coming in their previous eight encounters across all competitions.

It is also worth noting that Emery’s men have avoided defeat in each of their last five away league outings, securing three wins and two draws in the process.

Having lost just one of their previous nine away games in the Premier League, the Villains will fancy their chances of upsetting the odds at the Etihad.

Head-to-head: Although Aston Villa won the reverse fixture, Manchester City have won 11 of the previous 14 Premier League meetings between the teams.

Given that nine of the last 14 league encounters have produced over 2.5 goals, Wednesday’s clash will likely be a high-scoring affair.

Team news: The hosts are still without defender Kyle Walker due to injury, although goalkeeper Ederson could return between the sticks in midweek.

On the other hand, Villa’s injury list contains Boubacar Kamara, Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings and Matty Cash, while Ollie Watkins and Jacob Ramsey are doubts.

It’s fair to say that Aston Villa dominated the reverse fixture, but Emery’s men will struggle to replicate that performance at the Etihad.

Forebet’s AI algorithm predicts that both teams will find the back of the net on Wednesday, with the hosts outscoring the visitors on this occasion.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

EPL

Manchester City Aston Villa 03/04/2024 21:15

393427

1

2 - 1

2.94

9°

1.25

1.25 6.50 10.00 no no no

FT

4 - 1(2 - 1)

-

- - -