Aston Villa have confirmed their starting line-up for Sunday’s clash against Manchester City.
Aston Villa’s 2-1 loss to Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday stunted a five-game winning streak in all competitions, yet they come into the match with great form in the Premier League.
Morgan Rogers, Boubacar Kamara, and John McGinn are all called back into action after missing the defeat in the Netherlands.
Man City are predicted to beat Aston Villa, yet Unai Emery‘s side will be looking to continue their rapid climb up the Premier League table.
Unai Emery makes five changes vs Man City
Pau Torres has come under scrutiny for his performances in an Aston Villa shirt this season.
The Spaniard has looked uncertain when defending crosses, whilst his physicality could become an issue against Erling Haaland’s strength.
Against Brentford on 23 August, Torres won just three out of his eight duels and was left exposed against their opponents’ direct speed on the counter-attack.
| Stat | Pau Torres |
| Games played | 5 |
| Duels won | 53.8% |
| Aerial duels won | 46.7% |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Blocked shots | 2 |
Whilst Tyrone Mings is still regaining full fitness, fans will be worried over whether Torres can step up in what could be a huge match for Villa’s season going forward.
Mings’ physicality would have been a huge asset against the Norwegian striker, yet Emery has maintained his faith in Torres, who is very lucky.
Winning less than half of his aerial duels is worrying, with his overall success rate not much better, with much more needed against the very best in Haaland.
As for the changes to the team, Victor Lindelof, Ian Maatsen, Lamare Bogarde, Evan Guessand, and Jadon Sancho all make way for Matty Cash, Lucas Digne, McGinn, Kamara, and Rogers.
Villa will take optimism in the fact that they have produced some huge wins over Man City in recent seasons, with another needed here.
Aston Villa can achieve feat that hasn’t been seen since 1928
Aston Villa have beaten Man City in the last two meetings at Villa Park, whilst finding the back of the net in their last nine clashes across both grounds.
Should they record a victory again, it would mark the first time since 1928 that they’ve won three consecutive home matches against the Citizens.
Watkins is underperforming at Villa this season, although he has scored twice in his last five matches against the visitors, and will be desperate for confidence.
Aston Villa’s all-time head-to-head vs Man City:
- Wins: 59
- Draws: 42
- Losses: 82
The main task at hand will be stopping the unrelenting Haaland from continuing his scoring streak, yet Villa could have joy against a defence that hasn’t looked solid throughout this season.
Aston Villa supporters will be praying that Torres can excel against City’s star-studded attack as they search for a fourth Premier League win in a row.
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