The Premier League weekend kicks off with a wounded Manchester City making the trip to Aston Villa.
Both sides were on the receiving end of damaging defeats on Matchday 16 and will be out to put things right tomorrow lunchtime.
With each team enjoying a rare midweek off after being previously knocked out of the Carabao Cup, we look set for an epic fixture at Villa Park.
So join trusted betting website NetBet as we preview the big Matchday 17 encounter, complete with the latest football betting odds.
And if you are looking to place an Acca bet this weekend, remember to take advantage of our exciting Acca Boost feature!
Aston Villa vs Manchester City
Saturday, December 21, 12.30pm
Villa Park, Birmingham
Live on TNT Sports
Aston Villa vs Manchester City Preview
City’s current run of form almost beggars belief, with last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to rivals Manchester United meaning they have claimed just one victory in 11 across all competitions.
Pep Guardiola’s ageing squad looks vulnerable in the extreme and a trip to Villa Park, renowned for its raucous atmosphere, is perhaps the last thing the players need.
But Villa enter this fixture on the back of a demoralising 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest, having led the fixture right up until the 87th minute.
Unai Emery’s side are perhaps not quite the force they were in 2023-24, with Champions League commitments appearing to hinder their domestic form.
However, with the aforementioned rest this week, that variable will not apply to tomorrow’s game, so expect Villa to come flying out the traps.
City will, of course, look to play their slick football and control the tempo, although they need to sharpen up defensively to stand any chance of leaving Birmingham with three points.
The Premier League champions’ high line should play right into Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers’ hands.
And if Kyle Walker continues to struggle on the right-hand side of the defence, the Villa pair will drift out to the left and look to put their England colleague to the sword.
Guardiola vs Emery is always a fascinating tactical battle – and expect no different this time around!
Aston Villa vs Manchester City Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Despite their woeful form, City open as favourites at odds of 2.09. Villa are priced at 3.31, while the draw is 3.71.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City Betting Tips
Ollie Watkins to score anytime @ 2.66
Above, we mentioned how City’s high line and overall defensive ineptitude at the moment can play right into Watkins’ hands. So wagering on him to ripple the back of the net at any point appears a sensible move.
Over 3.5 goals in the match @ 2.37
Between them, Villa and City have conceded 48 goals in the Premier League this season. As such, we should be in for a high-scoring thriller at Villa Park, with clean sheets nowhere to be seen.
Aston Villa to win and both teams to score @ 5.00
City’s dire form and both teams’ defensive struggles point to an entertaining match, one in which Villa eventually emerge victorious. We cannot wait for this one!
Aston Villa Team News
Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Cash, Kamara, Onana, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins
Injuries/Doubts: Ramsey, Mings, Bailey
Manchester City Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland
Injuries/Doubts: Rodri, Bobb, Ake, Dias
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