Aston Villa will look to extend their winning run to three games in the Premier League this weekend. But, things could be tricky as they travel to Etihad to face defending champions Manchester City.
The Villans, however, are yet to taste a single defeat since their 3-2 loss to Arsenal about a month ago. They are coming on the back of a narrow 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion and will be confident of their chances against the Sky Blues, who have looked quite susceptible when playing inferior opponents this season.
Meanwhile, here is how Dean Smith’s men may lineup on Saturday.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Smith is unlikely to make any defensive changes to the side that secured a narrow win over Brighton last weekend. Bjorn Engels and Tyrone Mings will continue to form the central defensive pairing, while James Chester lacks match fitness. These two, however, will brace themselves for a busy afternoon against the mighty Man City attack.
Matt Targett, meanwhile, has finally become a first-team member of the Aston Villa side following an uneventful start to the campaign. He will continue to get the nod ahead of Neil Taylor at left-back, with Frederic Guilbert a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank.
Tom Heaton is also expected to retain his place in between the sticks for Aston Villa. The veteran ‘keeper will be looking for his third clean sheet of the campaign.
Midfield
Given the quality of the opposite, Smith might be forced to deploy a designated holding midfielder. Marvelous Nakamba is likely to take up that slot. The Zimbabwean will be partnered by John McGinn and Conor Hourihane in a slightly advanced midfield role. Their work rate could be important as the Villans look to create turnovers in the middle of the park.
Elsewhere, Smith could also deploy Jack Grealish in a wide attacking slot. But in reality, the English sensation is most likely to drift into a central area and help Villa become more compact. Anwar El Ghazi, meanwhile, will be operating on the opposite flank.
Attack
Wesley is a doubt heading into this game. Keinan Davis is in line to replace him in attack though we expect the Brazilian to return to full fitness in time. He will lead the Aston Villa attack despite several disappointing performances throughout this campaign.
