Aston Villa poised to deliver a stunning upset against Manchester City.
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Manchester City is set to face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 12:30 PM GMT.
This Premier League fixture is crucial for both teams, with City aiming to rebound from a challenging period and Villa looking to capitalize on their home advantage.
Manchester City’s Recent Form and Challenges
City is experiencing a difficult spell, with only one win in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Their most recent outing was a 1-2 defeat to Manchester United in the derby at the Etihad Stadium on December 15, 2024. This loss has left them in fifth place in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
Injuries have compounded their struggles. Key defender Ruben Dias is expected to be out for three to four weeks due to a muscle injury sustained during the match against Manchester United.
Additionally, players like Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Nathan Ake are also sidelined, leaving manager Pep Guardiola with limited options.
Aston Villa’s Performance
Aston Villa, under manager Unai Emery, is currently seventh in the league. Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest, they have been impressive at home, maintaining an unbeaten record in their last seven games at Villa Park.
Forward Jhon Durán has been in fine form, scoring in his last three appearances, and will be a key player to watch.
Key Players to Watch
Manchester City: With several key players injured, the responsibility falls on Erling Haaland to lead the attack and inspire a turnaround.
Aston Villa: Jhon Durán’s recent goal-scoring form makes him a significant threat to City’s defense.
Prediction
Considering Manchester City’s current form and injury woes, and Aston Villa’s strong home performances, this match could be closely contested. However, Villa may have the edge given their recent stability and City’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester City
Expected Outcome
A defeat for Manchester City could further dent their title aspirations, potentially widening the gap between them and the league leaders.
For Aston Villa, a victory would bolster their position in the upper half of the table and demonstrate their capability to compete with top-tier teams.