Date: 7th May Venue: Etihad Stadium Kick off: 7:45pm Manchester City host Aston Villa as they look to close in on their second Premier League title in three seasons.
Team News
Man City will have to contend without Argentine striker Sergio Aguero, who limped off with a groin problem against Everton on Saturday. Midfielders Yaya Toure and Jesus Navas both return though, the Ivorian was taken off as a precaution at Goodison Park while Navas has recovered from an ankle injury. Aston Villas main concern is the fitness of striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who was forced off with a knee problem against Hull at the weekend. Villa will also be without defender Joe Bennett, whos ankle injury has seen him miss the last two matches.
Key Stats
Man City will be confident going into the match, having won 10 of their last 11 home games against Aston Villa in the Premier League. Given their far superior goal difference, Manuel Pellegrinis side now require four points from their final two games to secure the Premier League title. Aston Villa visit the Etihad in a poor run of form away from home, having taken just two points in their last seven away games. Manager Paul Lambert has come under fire in recent months, but one more win would see Villa equal the number of points they gained last season.
Likely Line-Ups
Man City (4-2-3-1) Hart; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Kompany, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure; Milner, Silva, Nasri and Dzeko. Aston Villa (5-3-2) Guzan; Lowton, Clark, Vlaar, Baker, Betrand; Delph, Westwood, El Ahmadi; Weimann and Holt.
Match Preview
As the final whistle went at Selhurst Park on Monday night, the stadium erupted into cheers with the visiting Liverpool players collapsing to the floor. Three goals in 10 minutes from Crystal Palace had cancelled out Liverpools lead and all but ended the Reds dream of a first Premier League title since its creation in 1992. While the cheers may have been deafening in London, they were even greater in Manchester. The result means that City will claim their second Premier League title in three years, if they take four points from their final two matches. The first of those matches comes in the shape of a visit from Aston Villa, who confirmed their safety with victory over Hull on Saturday. Despite that 3-1 triumph, it has been a difficult season for Lambert, who has come under increased scrutiny and criticism from the fans. Villas away form this season has been miserable, with the Midlands side winning only four times on their travels. It bodes well for Man City, who have once again been imperious at the Etihad. 15 wins, 57 goals and just 13 conceded, it is understandable to see why City fans are optimistic. Given their attacking prowess and being so close to the finishing line, it is difficult to look past Man City running out comfortable winners against Villa. Prediction: 4-0
Simon is an NCTJ qualified sports journalist. He has conducted interviews with Tony Adams and Peter Shilton, while also having work published in The Daily Telegraph and The Sun. Follow him on Twitter via @sr_collings.
