Aston Villa vs Manchester City Predictions

• Guardiola has won 56 of his 64 Premier League clashes with English managers
• Man City have won each of their last five games
• Aston Villa have scored in all their home games this season
• The Villains have lost 10 of their last 11 meetings with City

Showdown for Gerrard

Since stepping in at Villa Park, Steven Gerrard has had a dream start. The Liverpool legend has won two from two as a Premier League manager and he’ll be looking for a big scalp against the champions this week.

However, Pep Guardiola has lost just three of his 64 Premier League games against English managers (W56 D5). That impressive record doesn’t bode well for Aston Villa, and I’m predicting a first defeat of the Gerrard era.

City on a run

Just over a year ago Man City kicked-off a season defining run of wins which ultimately landed the Premier League title. We could be seeing history repeat itself, with City winning each of their last five games to move within a point of first place.

The Citizens beat West Ham 2-1 on Sunday, a big result which came just days after they dispatched PSG in the Champions League. The visitors have also won four of their last five league away trips, heading to Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford and Anfield in that run.

Villa’s City struggles

Aston Villa have lost 12 of their last 14 Premier League meetings with Manchester City, while they’ve lost 10 of the last 11 clashes between the two in all competitions. While Gerrard’s reign has started well, he’s had a straightforward start. Villa have lost all of their meetings with the current top seven, so back the hosts to struggle.

However, Villa have scored in all of their home games this term and in 85% of their league games overall. City have seen their defence breached of late, including in each of their last two games. As a result, I’m backing City to win and both teams to score, with a third consecutive 2-1 victory my correct score prediction.

Aston Villa predicted lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Buendia, Watkins, El Ghazi

Manchester City predicted lineup: Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko; Silva, Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling

• Both teams have scored in five of Aston Villa’s last seven fixtures

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