Ahead of the eagerly-anticipated fixture, Man City have to deal with some injuries. Kyle Walker and John Stones got injured during the recent international break.
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Manchester City will be keen to get back to winning ways after being held at home to Arsenal in their last Premier League clash. It was the game of the weekend, with both teams involved in a thrilling three-way title race. Playing at the Etihad Stadium, Man City were expected to be the favourites. However, the Gunners came up with a really good plan to stop the hosts from playing their natural game.
Arsenal defended resolutely around the box and gave little to no room for Manchester City to penetrate through their defence. While City had majority of the ball, they were unable to turn it into many meaningful opportunities. The game of few chances ended goalless, as Liverpool moved to the top of Premier League table. Hence, City will be eager to bounce back from the setback to keep their title hopes alive when they welcome Aston Villa to the Etihad Stadium.
Ahead of the eagerly-anticipated fixture, Man City have to deal with injuries to a few of their key players. Kyle Walker and John Stones got injured during the recent international break while representing England. Goalkeeper Ederson got injured during their recent draw against Liverpool at Anfield. Finally, Nathan Ake had to come off in the first half against Arsenal at the weekend due to an injury. It will be interesting to see who among them could be fit for the contest against Villa.
Pep Guardiola was asked about the chances of Walker, Stones and Ederson being fit for the upcoming clash. “I don’t think so. John maybe, the other two no chance. He [John] has to feel fully fit. But the injury was less than we expected. We’ll see. For today or maybe for the next games he’ll be ready,” Guardiola, quoted on the club’s website, said in his pre-match press conference. On Ake, the manager said, “Injured. Hopefully he will be back soon. I don’t know exactly the timing. For sure, the next games he won’t be ready.”
Aston Villa have been doing really well this season and have emerged as a surprise contender for the top four race. Guardiola has heaped praise on Villa manager Unai Emery for what he has achieved with the club. “[They are] excellent the way they play. Unai Emery and the consistency in every season, Villa is impressive and always he has done really well. It’s not a surprise the quality of him and his management and the quality of the team,” he explained.
The City manager added: “I didn’t watch all games because I don’t think all managers watch all the games of opponents. I think he’s playing the same system. They have really good set-pieces and transitions with the two incredible fast players up front. The shape is really clear what they do. They can do high pressing and afterwards defend very well with a back four or back five and a really structured line. [They have] an exceptional keeper. That is why they are where they are, fighting to be there.”
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