Manchester City face a difficult task on Saturday, as the Citizens take on a rejuvenated Aston Villa at Villa Park. Both sides won their European fixtures midweek, so either side will be confident of a win in this fixture.
Aston Villa's form from the early start of the season has improved; now the squad has been settled, and new players have embedded. Before their win against Club Brugge in the Champions League, the hosts had gone without a win in their first four league games but have since risen to 12th, unbeaten in their last seven in all competitions. The Villains head into the game against Manchester City with three straight wins in all competitions, after another triumph in the Champions League against Norwegian side Viking FK (3-1).
The Villains have a strong home record against Manchester City, winning three of the last four meetings at Villa Park. Goals are expected to come, with over 2.5 goals landing in four of the last five meetings between the two clubs.
Manchester City are the only side in the Premier League to have maintained a 100% record thus far with seven wins from their first seven games, having already ticked off Old Trafford and Liverpool on the list of fixtures. Enzo Maresca has become the first manager ever to win their first seven league games in charge of a club. Maresca surpasses the record held jointly by Pep Guardiola, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and Carlo Ancelotti, who were in charge of City, Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively.
The Citizens and Aston Villa have been evenly split over the last nine head-to-head meetings with both winning four and settling for a draw back in 2022.
Emiliano Buendia is bound to have an impact in this game. Buendia has found success in the Champions League with two goals and assists in two games. League wise, Buendia is frequently involved with two shots per game.
Aston Villa 2-2 Manchester City
