Aston Villa will face off against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening looking to grind out a result on the road. The Villans are winless in their last three matches across various competitions, so they will be desperate to bounce back by producing a solid performance versus Pep Guardiola’s men in midweek.
Dean Smith is expected to stick with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation and will probably revert to this strongest XI for this exciting clash away at Manchester. However, the Villa boss will be sweating on the fitness of Ross Barkley, who is a major doubt for this game.
4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester City
Defence
Emiliano Martínez will retain his spot in goal for the Villans after he conceded two goals versus Manchester United in his last league start. Ezri Konsa will once again partner Tyrone Mings at the heart of the Villa backline as they look to keep the Man City attackers frustrated during the game.
Matty Cash will continue to function as the right-back while Matt Targett focuses on putting on another energetic performance from the left-back position. Both of them will have to work hard towards maintaining a solid defensive shape at the back so that they can restrict the opposition wide players from getting in behind them throughout the 90 minutes.
Midfield
Douglas Luiz and John McGinn will anchor Dean Smith’s midfield as they try to provide some added protection for their teammates on the defensive end of the field. The impressive trio of Anwar El Ghazi, Jack Grealish and Bertrand Traoré will operate just ahead of them as part of Aston Villa’s attack.
Grealish will carry most to the creative burden for his team as he looks to set-up a few promising opportunities for El Ghazi and Traore out on the flanks. Conor Hourihane and Marvelous Nakamba will have to be content with a place on the bench but could come on to offer some energy in the second half if needed.
Attack
Ollie Watkins will lead the line for the West Midlands outfit up top. The English striker needs a goal to build his confidence back up ahead of a busy few weeks in the Premier League.
