Pep Guardiola and Manchester City look to end their historically-poor run with a visit to Aston Villa at Villa Park early Saturday.
The reigning champions look less and less likely to successfully defend their title, the latest setback a 2-1 late debacle versus local rivals Manchester United that’s left City stewing for a week.
WATCH – Aston Villa vs Manchester City
Villa were also on the wrong end of a late blown lead, their 2-1 loss at Forest very similar to City’s derby setback as Jhon Duran’s second-half goal was overcome by 87th- and stoppage-time goals at the City Ground.
Seventh-place Villa have 25 points and would like to leap back into the top-four driver’s seat by leapfrogging fifth-place Manchester City (27 points) and fourth-place Forest.
How to watch Aston Villa vs Manchester City live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 7:30am ET Saturday
Venue: Villa Park — Aston
TV Channel: USA Network
Streaming: Watch love on NBC.com
Aston Villa team news, focus
How about a note for the string-pullers? Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, and Lucas Digne have cued up so many chances for Villa. And then there’s Ollie Watkins, who is getting sharper. If he can finish more of his big chances — he currently has a league-best 15 big chances and seven goals — Villa will be back in the top four.
OUT: Jacob Ramsey (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Tyrone Mings (illness), Leon Bailey (thigh)
Manchester City team news, focus
Jack Grealish will be in focus as he goes back home, and he’s on a long run without a goal. Grealish last scored when he capped off a three-match goal streak on Dec. 16, 2023 at home to Palace. That will be over a year come kickoff.
OUT: Rodri (knee - out for season), Nathan Ake (thigh), Manuel Akanji (unspecified), Oscar Bobb (lower leg)
Aston Villa vs Manchester City prediction
Expecting a clean sheet or two here would be irrational. Making any specific prediction would be silly given both teams’ unpredictable defensive records. Grealish assist on return? Villa 1-2 Man City.
