Premier League: Aston Villa v Man City match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Villa Park

Stefan Jovetic is pushing for a start for Manchester City

After a week in which Paul Lambert saw his side thrashed 4-0 to Tottenham in the League Cup, and was told he would be without the services of top-scorer Christian Benteke for at least a month, the Villa boss will be cursing the visit of in-form Man City.

New City manager Manuel Pellegrini guided his team to two thumping victories in three days, with a 5-0 demolition of Wigan Athletic in the League Cup adding to a memorable 4-1 win in the Manchester Derby.

Aston Villa will restore a number of the players who were rested for their midweek League Cup tie, including Brad Guzan, Andreas Weimann and Gabby Agbonlahor.

Libor Kozak is vying to deputise for the injured Benteke, but will face competition from Danish youngster Nicklas Helenius.

Man City will bring back the likes of Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero for this encounter, after Pellegrini gave a number of fringe players the chance to impress in midweek.

Stefan Jovetic is pushing for a start after netting his first two City goals in the League Cup defeat of Wigan.

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Aston Villa 0 Man City 1 (Tevez), Premier League, March 2013

Man City 5 (Silva, Aguero 2, Tevez 2) Aston Villa 0, Premier League, November 2012

Man City 2 (Balotelli, Kolarov) Aston Villa 4 (Barry OG, Agbonlahor 2, N’Zogbia), League Cup, September 2012

STATS…

Aston Villa will be hoping to claim their first Premier League victory of the season in front of their home fans. Both their two results have come away at Arsenal and Norwich City.

Man City have scored the most goals of any team so far in the Premier League this season, on twelve.

The Sky Blues will be searching for their first Premier League away win of the season.  Their only away win so far came in the Champions League, a 3-0 win against Viktoria Plzen of the Czech Republic.

Villa last beat Man City in the Premier League back in January 2011, when an 18 minute goal by Darren Bent proved the difference.

ODDS…

Aston Villa to win: 7.4

Man City to win: 1.56

Draw: 4.3

TV: Highlights on BBC Match of the Day, Saturday 10.30 pm and Match of the Day 2, Sunday, 10.25 pm