DATE: 04/02/13
KICK OFF: 20.00pm
VENUE: Villa Park
PREDICTION: 1-3
PREDICTION: 1-3
Preview
Monday night's clash is a must win encounter for both sides.
City's under pressure Italian has refused to rule out the title, despite the ample 12 point lead held by rivals Manchester United at the top of the table. Star man Yaya Toure has backed his managers comments and following the Blues' comfortable 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, it seems confidence has been restored in the City camp.
Paul Lambert's side sit in the relegation zone going into the tie and have only recorded one win in their last four Premier League fixtures. Star men Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann are constantly being linked with moves away from the club and seem to be the only reason that Villa are still fighting to stay in the league.
Both sides need a win to keep their respective Premier League aims in tact.
Expect goals.
Line-Up
After Rodwell's promising performance in City's 2-0 win over Chelsea last week, fans definitely want to see some more of the injury prone youngster. His determination to drive into the box and aerial ability were a pleasure to watch and gave the City faithful a glimpse of what he can do when fit.
Most fans have accepted that Nasri's effort and committment this season has been way below par. His conduct in the wall at home to rivals Manchester United summed up his attitude and this did not go unnoticed by Mancini. Milner is a much better option and will be raring to go, especially against his old employers.
Tevez and Aguero showed once again how effective they are up top together and terrorised Chelsea's defence last Sunday. I'd expect to see them line up together again at Villa Park.
Head to Head
Monday night's clash is a must win encounter for both sides.
City's under pressure Italian has refused to rule out the title, despite the ample 12 point lead held by rivals Manchester United at the top of the table. Star man Yaya Toure has backed his managers comments and following the Blues' comfortable 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, it seems confidence has been restored in the City camp.
Paul Lambert's side sit in the relegation zone going into the tie and have only recorded one win in their last four Premier League fixtures. Star men Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann are constantly being linked with moves away from the club and seem to be the only reason that Villa are still fighting to stay in the league.
Both sides need a win to keep their respective Premier League aims in tact.
Expect goals.
Line-Up
After Rodwell's promising performance in City's 2-0 win over Chelsea last week, fans definitely want to see some more of the injury prone youngster. His determination to drive into the box and aerial ability were a pleasure to watch and gave the City faithful a glimpse of what he can do when fit.
Most fans have accepted that Nasri's effort and committment this season has been way below par. His conduct in the wall at home to rivals Manchester United summed up his attitude and this did not go unnoticed by Mancini. Milner is a much better option and will be raring to go, especially against his old employers.
Tevez and Aguero showed once again how effective they are up top together and terrorised Chelsea's defence last Sunday. I'd expect to see them line up together again at Villa Park.
Head to Head
The Blues will be encouraged by their recent record against the Villains going into Monday night's tie at Villa Park. With a 100% record in the last three meetings, scoring 10 goals in the process, Mancini's side will be looking to close the 12 point gap at the top of the table by a further three points.
The Citizens have already thrashed Villa this season, recording a 5-0 win at the Etihad in Novemember. However, City's record at Villa Park since the Premier League began is a little less promising. With only 15 wins in 73 meetings, Yaya and co. will definitely have a game on their hands.
Key Men
Christian Benteke
The Belgian star has been a revelation for Aston Villa since his £7m move from Genk. However, he continues to be linked with big Premier League named and if Villa don't survive, he could be on his way.
Yaya Toure
It would be unfair to blame City's recent poor performances on Yaya's absence, but it has definitely made a difference. His power and ability to dominate defenders was on show yet again on Sunday and his man of the match performance was capped off with a classy finish.
Fantasy Premier League Leaders
Christian Benteke 114 points
Brad Guzan 81 points
Andreas Weimann 62 points
Carlos Tevez 131 points
David Silva 115 points
Joe Hart 108 points
Top Scorers
Christian Benteke
15
Sergio Aguero
13
Key Men
Christian Benteke
The Belgian star has been a revelation for Aston Villa since his £7m move from Genk. However, he continues to be linked with big Premier League named and if Villa don't survive, he could be on his way.
Yaya Toure
It would be unfair to blame City's recent poor performances on Yaya's absence, but it has definitely made a difference. His power and ability to dominate defenders was on show yet again on Sunday and his man of the match performance was capped off with a classy finish.
Fantasy Premier League Leaders
Christian Benteke 114 points
Brad Guzan 81 points
Andreas Weimann 62 points
Carlos Tevez 131 points
David Silva 115 points
Joe Hart 108 points
Top Scorers
Christian Benteke
15
Sergio Aguero
13
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