Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has named his starting XI to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this evening. The Villans will be looking to cause an upset against the league leaders, who have won their past 14 Premier League home games against Villa. This match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to get the better of each other.
Emery’s Tactical Switches
Emery has made five changes from the side that beat Newcastle United 4-1 last weekend. Pau Torres, Lucas Digne, Amadou Onana, Jacob Ramsey, and Marcus Rashford all come into the starting lineup. The Villa starting XI features:
- Emi Martinez in goal
- Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne in defense
- Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana in the double pivot
- Youri Tielemans in the number 10 role
- Morgan Rogers on the right and Jacob Ramsey on the left
- Marcus Rashford leading the line up front
Rashford’s Impact
Rashford, who has been in good form for Villa, will be looking to make an impact against his former club. “I’m excited to play against Manchester City,” Rashford said in a recent interview. “It’s a big game, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.” Rashford’s pace and skill will be a threat to City’s defense, and Emery will be hoping that he can make a difference.
Manchester City’s Form
Manchester City have been in excellent form this season, and their record against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium is impressive. They have won their past 14 Premier League home games against Villa, scoring at least twice in each of the most recent 13. However, Villa won this season’s reverse fixture in December and are looking to complete their first league double over City since 1962-63.
Can Villa Cause an Upset?
The Villans will be looking to put on a good show against the league leaders. Emery’s tactical switches could pay off, but City’s form and record at home to Villa make them favorites to win. “It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it,” Emery said in a recent press conference. “We’ve got a good team, and I’m confident that we can get a good result.”
The Match
The match kicks off at 8 pm this evening, and Villa fans will be hoping that their team can cause an upset against the champions. The starting XI for City features:
- Ortega in goal
- Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, and O’Reilly in defense
- Kovacic, Gundogan, and De Bruyne in midfield
- McAtee, Bernardo, and Marmoush up front
It promises to be an exciting match, with both teams looking to get the better of each other. “It’s a big game, and I’m looking forward to it,” Pep Guardiola said in a recent interview. “Aston Villa are a good team, and we’ll need to be at our best to beat them.”
Conclusion
The match between Aston Villa and Manchester City promises to be an exciting encounter. Both teams will be looking to get the better of each other, and the outcome is far from certain. Emery’s tactical switches could pay off, but City’s form and record at home to Villa make them favorites to win. One thing is certain, though – it will be a great match, and fans of both teams will be looking forward to it.
