Remi Garde's first game as Aston Villa's head coach will not be an easy task, as the Villains face league leaders Manchester CitY at Villa Park. With a nine game winless streak, Garde's goal for this game will be conceding the least goals possible, while trying to take advantage of any defensive mishaps Joe Hart and his defense make.
On the other hand, this game could provide the Citizens with a good chance to rotate their squad, following their 3-1 win against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League. Nevertheless, fans around the world need to keep their eyes open when Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling step into the pitch, given their recent form with the Sky Blues.
Aston Villa
The hosts get into this match unable to win a single game at home, with their only victory happening back on Opening Day. Manchester United, West Brom, Stoke and Swansea City have taken home all the points from Villa Park, while Sunderland pulled off one point against the team then-coached by Tim Sherwood. Ashley Westwood and Gabriel Agbonlahor will be missing this game due to injury, while the team's new coach figures out what his Starting XI will be, if they want to keep playing in the English top flight next year.
Garde's first press conference as Aston Villa's head coach hinted there could be some news regarding the team's lineup
Rémi Garde: The team has lost games. They have to change something. I’ve got some ideas. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/EEfFR6gdiJ
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) November 5, 2015
Manchester City
The current league leaders will get to this match with a four game streak without a loss. Only Manchester United was able to stop them with a 0-0 draw, while Pellegrini's men have scored an astounding thirteen goals in three matches. Nevertheless, the team's defense could need some adjustments, since Joe Hart has conceded a couple of baffling goals recently, making some of their fans wonder if Willy Caballero could start a game just to shake things up a bit.
For this game, the Citizens will not have four players available. Sergio Agüero, Pablo Zabaleta, Samir Nasri and David Silva will have to sit out this match, while Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony makes the most out of his chances up front, helped by Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling on the wings. On the other hand, former Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph will return to the stadium he once called home, but fans may not give him the warmest of welcomes.
De Bruyne will be the player to watch for The Citizens.
Kevin De Bruyne in the Premier League this season: 7 games 23 take-ons 21 chances created 4 assists 3 goals pic.twitter.com/FXAKEbvJhh
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 31, 2015
Head to head
Manchester City has won five of the last six games against the Villains in all competitions, scoring 17 goals and conceding only five in the process. Nevertheless, Aston Villa's latest victory against the Sky Blues happened at Villa Park, defeating Pellegrini's side with a 3-2 score.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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