Evening Standard
·19 December 2024
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·19 December 2024
Pep Guardiola’s side out to end crisis run of results
Manchester City travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League’s early kick-off on Saturday.
The state of crisis Pep Guardiola’s side find themselves in shows little sign of stopping. Even when leading big rivals Manchester United late into Sunday’s derby, the champions still contrived to lose 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola admits he’s doubting himself after a miserable run of results which has seen Man City win just one of their last 11 games.
They sit fifth in the Premier League table as a result and little about recent performances suggest a radical upturn in performances is likely.
Villa, meanwhile, lost to Nottingham Forest last time out and sit seventh in the table. Still, three points could see them move level on points with Forest in fourth.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City is scheduled for a 12.30pm GMT on Saturday 21 December 2024.
Villa Park in Birmingham will host.
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Discovery+ app.
LIVE coverage: Follow the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Villa could welcome back both Leon Bailey and Tyrone Mings for the game, although Jacob Ramsey is injured.
City will have Rico Lewis free from suspension following his sending off at Crystal Palace earlier this month for two bookable offences.
Manchester City are hoping to welcome back Manuel Akanji for Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa
Getty Images
Manuel Akanji could return, although all of Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and Rodri are set to miss out.
City lost here last season in much better health and Villa are generally so strong at home.
Aston Villa to win, 2-1.
Aston Villa wins: 58
Draws: 42
Man City wins: 81
Aston Villa to win: 23/10
Draw: 14/5
Man City to win: 21/20
Odds via Betfair and subject to change.