Premier League: Manchester City v Aston Villa match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City host Aston Villa in the English Premier League on Saturday in what shapes as a danger game for Roberto Mancini's side.

City are two points behind leaders Manchester United on the league table and a win this week would see them keep pace with the Red Devils.

But City, who play an important Champions League match against Real Madrid next week and go up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on November 25, must be careful not to overlook their opponents this weekend.

Villa sit 17th and hover three points clear of the relegation zone after losing to Manchester United 3-2 last week.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Manchester City 2 (Balotelli, Kolarov) Aston Villa 4 (Barry OG, Agbonlahor 2, N’Zogbia), Capitol One Cup, September 2012

Aston Villa 0 Manchester City 1, Premier League, February 2012

Manchester City 4 (Balotelli, Johnson, Kompany, Milner) Aston Villa 1 (Warnock), Premier League, October 2011

STATS

Manchester City are unbeaten in the Premier League this season, and haven’t lost at home in the top flight in 35 matches; a run that started with a 4-0 win over Aston Villa in December 2010.

Mario Balotelli has four goals in two Premier League games against Villa, and six in four appearances in all competitions against them.

Penalties are a common occurrence in this fixture, with five spot-kicks awarded in their last eight meetings.

ODDS

Manchester City to win: 1.20

Aston Villa to win: 11.50

Draw: 6.0

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm