Manchester City could become only the third team in Premier League history to win their first eight matches of a season. This Saturday, Enzo Maresca's side will take on Aston Villa away from home.
Last weekend, the Citizens claimed their seventh successive league victory, overcoming Ipswich Town, and in midweek, Maresca’s rotation strategy paid off with a convincing win over AEK in the Champions League. This victory came as a welcome relief after a harsh 4-2 defeat to PSG.
Only Liverpool in the 2019/20 season and Chelsea in 2005/06 - who remarkably started with nine consecutive wins - have managed a similar feat in the Premier League. However, to match that record, City must overcome an unusual curse hanging over Villa Park.
Manchester City have failed to win their last four away games against Aston Villa, losing three of those. If they can break this streak, it would provide a significant boost in their title chase against league leaders Arsenal.
Managerial duel and the Erling Haaland factor
This match will present a stern test for Unai Emery, whose Aston Villa side currently sits in 12th place and has enjoyed success lately, winning five of their last six games across all competitions. Emery holds a slight edge in their previous encounters, having won two out of three matches against Maresca.
Maresca has confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit and ready to go after being rested in the Champions League. The Norwegian striker will be keen to improve his lacklustre record against Aston Villa, having only scored once in five previous encounters. Predictions suggest a narrow 2-1 victory for the visitors.
Injury updates and predicted line-ups
Aston Villa will be without Johan Manzambi due to a muscle injury. Emiliano Buendia is expected to play in a central attacking role alongside a resurgent Nicolas Jackson. The defence should welcome back Matty Cash, while Matteo Ruggeri and Amadou Onana remain sidelined. Ian Maatsen's participation is still uncertain as he continues his recovery.
For Manchester City, Antoine Semenyo is out until Christmas with a knee injury. His absence could be filled by the likes of Iliman Ndiaye, Jeremy Doku, or Phil Foden. Back issues persist for Nico O'Reilly, meaning Josko Gvardiol will likely slot in at left-back. Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic are set to undergo late fitness tests.
Predicted Aston Villa line-up (4-2-3-1):
Zion Suzuki; Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; Boubacar Kamara, Gomez; Alisson, Emiliano Buendia, John McGinn; Nicolas Jackson.
Predicted Manchester City line-up (4-2-3-1):
Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol; Elliott Anderson, Ayub Buaddi; Phil Foden, Ryan Cherki, Jeremy Doku; Erling Haaland.
