Hi Villa fan here, our record at city is terrible 14 defeats in a row in the last prem meetings so going to be very tough. However this is the best squad we have that I can remember and it’s fully fit so we should have a strong bench available.I think we have to win after the forest result last night so should be an open attacking game. UTV
Agree with that, this version of Foden should not be starting games, he is clearly way off in health and form.Grealish is harshly treated by many football fans, including city fans. His form has been far better than Foden's when he has had a chance to play this season. Foden has been given the nod in many games where he has failed to deliver, Jack has sat on the bench for long periods and done well when he's come on. I get that Phil is one of our own, but I think if Jack was allowed a prolonged run in the side then he would shine. Unfortunately, though, the way the entire team has performed this season, it would be hard for any player to truly show their full potential
Considering we won at everton, I'd assume they now think we could draw tonight.Those happy with a draw at Everton must then see this as a must win?
Grealish is harshly treated by many football fans, including city fans. His form has been far better than Foden's when he has had a chance to play this season. Foden has been given the nod in many games where he has failed to deliver, Jack has sat on the bench for long periods and done well when he's come on. I get that Phil is one of our own, but I think if Jack was allowed a prolonged run in the side then he would shine. Unfortunately, though, the way the entire team has performed this season, it would be hard for any player to truly show their full potential
Huge risk playing Akanji after such a long time out, even more so against a side with a lot of pace.I am pretty sure there'll be no Kadir, no Macca and no Phil or Jack in our starting line up tonight.
Gundo and Kev will start so the question seems whether Akanji is in for Nunes or O'Reilly and if Bernie/Kova keeps out Doku.
I'm thinking Pep would probably not have been impressed when Akanji nearly gifted Everton an equaliser on Saturday so he'll stay in the bench but Doku might get the nod after his showing as a sub.
That win at Everton was essential wit the way results have gone in the last few days, a defeat would have been a disaster and failure to beat Villa would have made CL qualification almost impossible.Considering we won at everton, I'd assume they now think we could draw tonight.
I just hope it's not a repeat of the Tottenham game!I think you can forget all that.
The villa of the last year or two is not the same villa that struggled for the previous years. You’ve improved hugely.
Just as the city of this season isn’t the same city that has battered pretty much everyone over the last 10 years. This season is arguably the weakest city side since the takeover back in 08.
It’s a very evenly matched game this.
They would - but they can't all maximise their points, because they play against each other, so it's not quite that bleak :-)in all honesty a draw would be a disaster because all the other clubs except villa would have it in there own hands, a win and it swings back to us with them all needing a win to level it up as it was
That's the issue - City's success has been down to brilliant team ethic with everybody knowing their roles, not relying upon the odd flash of brilliance.Unfortunately, though, the way the entire team has performed this season, it would be hard for any player to truly show their full potential
Why do people think Opta know any more than the rest of us. We need to win our games end of story.66 points is what OPTA reckons will do it and Forest only need 2 wins from 5 now.
Must win tomorrow for us, otherwise we are going to be needing other teams to do us favours.
And rightly so.I’m surprised the amount of people picking Grealish. Started 5 games this year and 3 of them are in the FA cup. I think Pep is finally done with him.
Sorry guys, mind me asking why we're playing tonight?
Knowing pep he'll select the slowest available players. It's what he does.What’s happened to Khusanov? Surely his pace will be very much needed tonight, with Rashford & Watkins pace / runs in behind?
Thanks.Both in the FA Cup at the weekend.
our team which got beat 0-4 at home by that shower in NovI just hope it's not a repeat of the Tottenham game!