This current Emery side should be feared by Man City | OneFootball

A lot of times, fans will have fun discussing the historic records between clubs. There is not too much carryover from how Aston Villa and Manchester City played in the early 2000s to now. Even within a season alone, look at how different Unai Emery's side looks just from the January transfer window alone.

Yes, a club can have something of a mental edge over another, but that isn't going to be the case with this Emery side for anyone. Villa could be playing prime Barcelona tomorrow, and the players in the dressing room would back themselves to at least put up a strong fight.

In the Premier League, MCFC have won 30 times, AVFC have 9 victories, and there have been 10 draws. For Tuesday's April match during the 2024-2025 season, that doesn't matter. This is a Villa side that is playing with a tremendous amount of confidence and ability.

While many elected to focus on the 'fuming' part of Ollie Watkins' statement regarding lack of playing time, he also mentioned how every time on the pitch feels like something of a trial for the players. This is due to the nature of the deep squad selection available to the manager.

Because of this, those playing are always fighting for continued consideration and keeping their status if part of the starting XI. Contrast that with Pep Guardiola's men, and Tuesday's hosts are looking to limp toward the end of the season.

A Champions League qualification spot is the heavy talk of the town at the moment. By all means, this should be a hard-fought match. If one had to choose which side to favor, despite what the oddsmakers suggest, Villa is the team to pick for this one.

Winning away from B6 happens on Tuesday

Yes, there won't be the full force of Villa Park behind this team. They are still very good, and it's not as likely that Man City suddenly shows the class that enabled them to win the title in prior years. Instead, more is lining up for Villa to earn the three points at the Etihad and remain in the hunt for one of those coveted top five spots.