Aston Villa Will Be 'Resting' First-Choice Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez Against Manchester City

Aston Villa will reportedly be resting first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for this afternoon's clash with Manchester City - which could have a huge impact on the Premier League title race.

City are currently a point clear of Liverpool at the top and know victory at the Etihad Stadium will see them crowned champions, even if the Reds beat Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard spent most of his playing career with Liverpool and most of the build-up has been how he can do his old side a favour.

That looks to have taken a hit before kick-off however, as Martinez is set to sit out.

Dibu Martínez no va a atajar vs Manchester City. Decidió hacerlo para llegar bien al partido vs Italia. pic.twitter.com/URfLljoUMW

— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) May 22, 2022

Gaston Edul, of TyC Sports in Argentina, claims the 29-year-old won't be starting as a favour to the Argentina national team.

Argentina take on Italy in 'Finalissma' a week on Wednesday, a new fixture which will see the Copa America winners take on the winner of that year's European Championship.

Martinez has started 36 of Villa's league games this season, only missing September's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Jed Steer filled in that day and he's no longer at the club.

It means one of Robin Olsen or Viljami Sinisalo, who haven't played at all, will be filling in against one of Europe's deadliest attacks.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Gerrard, who never won a league title with Liverpool, will be desperate to help his boyhood club.

"I can only understand these sorts of situations by thinking of myself in the role," the German coach explained.

"If I would play a game and could help [former clubs Borussia] Dortmund or Mainz, it would mean for me an extra motivation. That's how it is.

"But I'm not playing and Stevie doesn't play. That's a shame - much more of a shame that Stevie isn't playing than I'm not playing.

"We're all human beings. Stevie will take it 100% serious without me calling him or whatever. I don't have to, probably, the rest of the club did it already but I haven't."