Aston Villa face a stern test as they head to Premier League champions Manchester City in the lunchtime game on Saturday. Dean Smith’s team are fresh off back to back wins but head to Etihad Stadium aiming for three straight Premier League wins for the first time since April 2010. Jack Grealish and John McGinn are two players who will be the key influencers in this match.
Aston Villa Head To Manchester City With Jack Grealish and John McGinn Vital To Get A Result
Aston Villa Will Go And Play
Dean Smith made a bold promise before the season began that his Villa team will go and attack every team this season whoever that may be. He has challenged his team to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and show what they are all about. Villa’s shackles look set to be taken off and they will get opportunities, but they must take them.
Resilience has been key to Villa’s recent improvement in terms of results. Its one defeat in the last five games for the Villains but that record will be severely tested against arguably the best attacking team in world football. Bjorn Engels and Tyrone Mings will have to be at their best to stifle any City attacks. However, they will also be key in starting attacks with Mings renowned for excellent arrowed, cross-field balls which caught Tottenham out.
Jack Grealish and John McGinn Will be Vital to Any Villa Success
Aston Villa’s midfield is going to be vital to their chances of securing a win at the Etihad Stadium. Jack Grealish is blossoming in the Premier League especially since being given a free roam in the attacking areas. Villa’s captain is enjoying his football and he will be relishing the chance to attack a fragile Manchester City defence. City have been vulnerable defensively and Grealish will seize his chance to work the spaces in the City defence. Grealish will cause City problems but he will also play a key role in tracking back and keeping the likes of Bernando Silva, David Silva and Raheem Sterling quiet.
John McGinn is a truly talented, unique midfielder who according to Dean Smith will be something Pep Guardiola has never faced before. The Scottish international has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. He is the beating heart of the Villa team and its clear why the fans absolutely adore him. McGinn will be just as important as Grealish is in Villa’s chances of success. The tenacious Scot will help the likes of Marvelous Nakamba break downplay but, he will also get forward and get Villa higher up the pitch. Moreover, the Scot holds up the ball brilliantly and he will create space for the Villa attackers to get an opportunity in front of goal.
The Villains Have Nothing To Lose
Aston Villa will head to Etihad Stadium full of confidence and belief they can upset the Premier League champions. Manchester City’s need to win is greater than Villa as they attempt to catch Liverpool at the top of the table. Villa will fancy they can cause an upset with City showing their vulnerability already this season. Dean Smith has alluded to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Norwich City who have beaten the Premier League champions. The fans will believe that Aston Villa at their best can cause a major upset which would send ripples around the Premier League.
Villa are going to have to work hard but, they have nothing to lose with many expecting Villa to suffer defeat. They will no doubt spur Aston Villa on who have proven they are here to stay in the Premier League. Dean Smith is relishing the prospect of facing Manchester City and he will drill that message into his players. Relish the occasion and show the Premier League what Aston Villa are all about.
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