Aston Villa are fighting to survive in the Premier League in their first season back among the elite of England, but a weak December placed them in the relegation zone. Now, they have also lost both Wesley and John McGinn to injuries and after a 2-1 win over Burnley in the League, the Villains were sent out of the FA Cup by Championship side Fulham, keeping up the inconsistency in their performances this term. A tough programme for the Claret and Blue with four games in 12 days after New Year’s is matched by Manchester City, as both sides have competed in three tournaments during the last two weeks and Manchester City are more likely to cope with the tough programme at the start of 2020. Man City have scored 11 goals in their last three games against Villa and will be looking to continue that record on Sunday.

Aston Villa Team News, Updates and Facts

Aston Villa Team News

Dean Smith has three major injuries affecting the spine of his side right now, with goalkeeper Tom Heaton, center midfielder John McGinn, and forward Wesley all out for the long term.  Jonathan Kodija missed Wednesday’s match at the King Power due to illness, so they will hope to have him back and ready for this one.

Aston Villa Key Man

A recent switch to three at the back for Villa has worked decently well, and it certainly paid off against the Foxes for Frederic Guilbert as he bundled home their opener that gave them a draw in the end in that first leg.  That’s what wing backs can do, and they will hope he can have a similar influence here.  Jack Grealish, though, is their big hope.  Lots of rumors surround his status, but with McGinn and co. out they really need him to stick around and produce the goods by adding to his six goals and five assists, both of which are team highs.

Aston Villa Team Form

Aston Villa have a draw, two losses, and two wins in their last five matches:

1-1 draw at Leicester (EFL Cup)
2-1 loss at Fulham (FA Cup)
1-2 win at Burnley
3-0 loss at Watford
1-0 home win vs Norwich

Aston Villa Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 3-4-3

Manchester City Team News, Updates and Facts

Man City Team News

Pep Guardiola will have a choice to make here on whether or not to match Villa by playing three defenders.  Those set to continue to miss out here include center back Aymeric Laporte, who is closing in on a return, and winger Leroy Sane through injuries or fitness issues.

Man City Key Man

Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus both had the night off against United from the start, interestingly enough, so the choice here will be intriguing to behold.  Aguero, though, should get the nod, you’d have to think, and he has three goals in the last five against these opponents.  Alongside him, we should see Bernardo Silva unleashed.  The Portuguese international scored a sumptuous goal to help take down city rivals United, further underlining why he may just be the best player that nation has currently.

Man City Team Form

Manchester City have four wins and a loss in their last five matches:

1-3 win at Manchester United (EFL Cup)
4-1 home win vs Port Vale (FA Cup)
2-1 home win vs Everton
2-0 home win vs Sheffield United
3-2 win at Wolves

Man City Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 3-4-3