Match Preview: Aston Villa vs Manchester City (Premier League)
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Manchester City look to start September off strong, as they travel south to take on Aston Villa for the first time since the finale of the previous Premier League season.
As of late, the Sky Blues have regained their composure, as they continue their assault on the Premier League top spot, which included their recent 6-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
The game featured many highlights, including Julian Alvarez’s first two goals in the Premiership and Erling Haaland’s first-half hat-trick - which helped propel City up the table.
One topic which has been prevalent to the reigning Premier League champions are injuries, with Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips' absences providing Pep Guardiola some difficult challenges in picking his starting XI.
Despite the dreary outlook, Pep Guardiola did have some good news on Thursday, as former Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish returned to training after being sidelined following the team’s game against Bournemouth last month.
Breaking: Nathan Ake and Jack Grealish trained with the #ManCity squad yesterday. Kalvin Phillips was absent, confirms Pep Guardiola. Further assessment will be made today, but they are 'close' to coming back.
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) September 2, 2022
Aston Villa play host to the Cityzens following their tense battle with Arsenal, which saw them lose out in the 77th minute after Gabriel Martinelli sent the ball into the back of the net.
It has been a difficult start for the Villains, who have lost four of their opening five league matches.
Villa find themselves situated in 19th place, with only Leicester City having had a worse start to the campaign.
The last time the two sides met was back in May, when Manchester City trailed Steven Gerrard’s side 2-0.
A goal from Rodri and two from super-sub Ilkay Gundogan secured a dramatic late 3-2 victory, as the Sky Blues lifted the Premier League trophy for the fourth time in five years.
When?
The clash between Manchester City and Aston Villa will take place on Saturday 3rd September at 17:30 BST.
Where?
Aston Villa’s Villa Park will be the venue for the match.
How to Watch?
Fans in the United Kingdom will be able to view the clash on Sky Sports, while fans in the United States will be able to view the game on NBC or Peacock, starting at 12:30 p.m. EST.
Find out how you can watch Saturday’s fixture here.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Manchester City, Aston Villa, Premier League
