Manchester City vs Aston Villa 26/10/19

26 October 2019

Fresh from a 5-1 demolition of Atalanta in the Champions League, Manchester City come into their Premier League clash against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, looking to extend their winning run in all competitions to three games.

A shock 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton has brought City’s impressive 12-game unbeaten PL home run to a halt (W11, D1), and it was also the first time since March 2018 that they’ve drawn a blank in a PL home fixture. Although the reigning holders bounced back last time out with a comfortable 2-0 away triumph over Crystal Palace, they are still six points short of league toppers Liverpool. Nonetheless, City’s win here is a near-certainty as they’ve racked up nine straight wins over Aston Villa in the PL home H2Hs, netting at least three goals in the last seven such matches. Moreover, a rampant Pep Guardiola’s side has scored 2+ match goals in five of six home outings in all competitions this term, finding the net in the first half at least twice four times in the process.

Meanwhile, the visitors travel to the Etihad on a run of three consecutive PL matches without a loss (W2, D1), although they sit just three points clear of the relegation zone. The Villans have halted their frustrating three-game losing PL away streak with a 5-1 hammering of fellow newcomers Norwich City. Aston Villa’s PL away matches have not been short of entertainment; with three of their four league trips featuring at least four goals and seeing both teams get on the scoresheet. The same goes for their recent league fixtures, as all four of their last PL games have produced over 2.5 total goals and witnessed both teams score.