It’s a strange one, 2 years ago this exact fixture was played in the same window when an injury ravaged City went to Villa. We started well scored 2 lovely goals, conceded late and hung on by our fingernails.
Since then Villa have been transformed by investment and a very good manager. We’ve improved as well though we’re going there while ravaged by injuries and suspension.
I’m not as confident as I usually am about tomorrow night’s match, we are making some horrible mistakes in turning over cheap possession which is lethal with counterattacking sides (like Villa). Defensively we’re losing a lot of the 50:50s and upfront Haaland has been surprisingly wasteful. It’s the type of game that Rodri’s loss will be keenly felt so we really need Stones back and get some balance back into midfield.
One thing in our favour is Pep’s record against Emery is very very good, hopefully it continues tomorrow.
Feels like the kind of game we need to roll our sleeves up and get a result any way we can.
