Aston Villa take on Manchester City as the Premier League’s bottom side look to beat the leaders at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon in what will be Remi Garde’s first game in charge of the Villains.Garde arrives at Villa needing to fix things very quickly. The club are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League after picking up just four points from 11 games so far and are seemingly heading for relegation.The Frenchman is facing an uphill battle and the visit of Manchester City gives him about as tough a challenge as he could have had in his first outing.
Aston Villa have never lost eight consecutive Premier League games.City travel to Villa Park as overwhelming favourites to pick up a ninth win in 12 league games and will be in fine spirits following Tuesday night’s 3-1 Champions League win at Sevilla.Manuel Pellegrini is still set to be without star attackers Sergio Aguero and David Silva but the Citizens are unbeaten in four and managed to edge past Norwich 2-1 last weekend thanks to a late Yaya Toure penalty.
Manchester City know a win here will keep them at the top of the table heading into the upcoming international break and they are fully expected to seal three points.City beat Villa 2-0 in the same fixture last season before then winning 3-2 at the Etihad in April. They have won seven of the last eight league meetings between the sides.
Remi Garde could have a fully fit squad to choose his first starting lineup from. Micah Richards returns following suspension, while only doubts hang over Ashley Westwood and Gabriel Agbonlahor who both came off at Tottenham on Monday. Many will be watching Garde’s first team selection with interest.Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is still set to be without Sergio Aguero, while fellow Argentine Pablo Zabaleta is also still injured. David Silva could return but is doubtful to be risked, while the same applies to Samir Nasri. Former Villain Fabian Delph is back but is unlikely to start against his former club.
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