Roberto Mancini’s side have only won one of their last six away Premier League games and even more amazingly they’ve failed to score in three of their last four on the road. Sides such as Everton, Sunderland and West Brom have all got results by playing compact systems and looking to hit the Sky Blues on the break, and that’s a tactic which comes naturally to Alex McLeish and Villa. Mancini is still desperately missing Yaya Toure – with City only winning three of their seven games (all competitions) since he left for the African Cup of Nations – and with Mario Balotelli still suspended there’s no way for the Italian to freshen his side up in attack.

And Villa don’t actually lose many matches. The hosts have only lost two of their last seven in the Premier League and they look a much livelier side with Robbie Keane in attack – Villa have scored nine goals in the five games which he’s played for the club. McLeish is likely to use Stiliyan Petrov and Ciaran Clark as defensive midfielders and try and use the pace of Charles N’Zogbia, Gabby Agbonlahor, Darren Bent and Marc Albrighton on the break. This is the perfect strategy to play against City and if they don’t concede early then they will have a chance of holding out for at least a point.

Obviously City are the more likely winners but they are in such poor form away from home that they have to be taken on at a price as short as 1.75.

Premier League Preview

Man City now have a two point lead at the top of the table and their Premier League winner odds are now a best price 4/7. Aston Villa now sit 13th after their loss to Newcastle last time out but they’re only two points off the top half and the best odds on a top 10 Villa finish are currently 9/4.

Premier League Facts

Head to heads:

Villa are unbeaten in their last four consecutive home fixtures against Man City; the last Sky Blues win came back in 2006. Bet Now on the full time result.

Aston Villa:

Darren Bent has scored four goals in his last five Aston Villa games and got the winner in this fixture last season. Bet Now on the anytime scorer market.

Man City:

Man City have been level at half time in six of their last seven away Premier League matches. Bet Now on the half time result market.