Aston Villa are riding the crest of a wave in the Premier League and could be playing champions Manchester City at just the right time.
Pep Guardiola’s men threw away another lead as they drew 3-3 against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium – their third consecutive draw in games in which they led six times overall.
Villa have won six out of six on home turf this season in the league and will go above City if they chalk up win number seven on Wednesday.
The Sporting News looks at the team news and predicted lineups for this contest.
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Aston Villa vs Man City lineups
Villa have score at least three goals in all of their home league wins this season and, after escaping with a late draw at Bournemouth over the weekend, expect them to attack this opportunity from the off.
Ollie Watkins has scored in each of his past four games in all competitions and Emery’s attack is in very good order, meaning Bertrand Traore’s muscular injury continues to feel like something of a non-issue
Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia are long-term absentees, much like Kevin De Bruyne for Manchester City, who are without Rodri and former Villa favourite Jack Grealish after they each collected their fifth bookings of the season against Tottenham.
De Bruyne’s compatriot Jeremy Doku is a major doubt after sustaining a thigh injury at the weekend and his absence along with that of Grealish could create an opportunity for youngster Oscar Bobb.
Aston Villa starting 11
Aston Villa projected lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Martinez (GK) – Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne – McGinn, Luiz, Kamara, Bailey – Watkins, Zaniolo
- Injured: Mings, Buendia, Traore
- Suspended: None
Emery has the opposite of Guardiola’s problem heading into this one, with a key central midfielder back from suspension to boost Villa.
Boubacar Kamara is likely to slot straight back in alongside one-time City midfielder Douglas Luiz, with Youri Tielemens the man who could make way.
Man City starting 11
Man City projected lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake — Lewis, Kovacic — Silva, Alvarez, Foden — Haaland
- Injured: De Bruyne, Nunes (doubt), Doku (doubt)
- Suspended: Rodri, Grealish
Guardiola said that Kalvin Phillips was in contention to feature but a first Premier League start of the season feels like a long-shot for the England midfielder, even with Rodri unavailable.
Mateo Kovacic is favourite to deputise in the Spain international’s absence despite shaky displays when he filled in against Wolves and Arsenal earlier in the season. A start for Rico Lewis also feels likely in the centre, with John Stones pushing for a return from hamstring issue to shore up the backline.
Aston Villa vs Man City live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
UK: This match will be available on Amazon Prime TV.
USA: This game is available for streaming via Peacock.
Canada: Every Premier League game this season is live streaming exclusively via Fubo in Canada, with a new FREE five-day trial for new subscribers.
Australia: Fans in Australia can stream every match live and on demand on Optus Sport.
India: Viewers in this country can watch on Star Sports Select or via Disney+ Hotstar.