Aston Villa vs Manchester City prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2022-09-02 16:30.
The pressure is mounting on Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard after his side slumped to their fourth defeat (W1) from their first five Premier League (PL) fixtures of the new campaign, handing Villa their worst league start in 25 years. When asked if he was concerned about the fact his side had slipped into the relegation zone, his response was clear, “of course I am.”
That worry is only set to intensify as his Villa side host champions Manchester City who have started the campaign in scintillating form. The Villans have lost 12 of their last 13 games against the reigning champions (D1), including a thrilling 3-2 loss on the final matchday of last campaign when Villa gave up a 2-0 lead by conceding three times in five minutes, gifting City a dramatic title win in the process.
City look on course for another title, and hit Nottingham Forest for six on Wednesday night, with Erling Haaland stealing the show with his second hat-trick in as many matches. Guardiola was understandably eager to praise the “incredible quality” of both him and the club’s other new recruit Julián Álvarez who also bagged a brace. Those strikes helped take City to 18 PL goals for the season which is their most ever at this stage of a league campaign, and something not seen in the PL since Manchester United achieved a similar feat in 2011/12 (21) .
Despite their unbeaten start (W4, D1), City still come into this round two points off top spot and will be keen to capitalise on any slip-up from league leaders Arsenal. Their 3-3 draw on their last PL road trip means they’ve gone 20 straight league away games unbeaten for the sixth time and extending that run here will take them one step closer to matching the outright record held by rivals United (29).
Players to watch: Douglas Luiz has scored two goals across his last three competitive Villa appearances, and both came direct from corners. Haaland’s nine City goals after five PL appearances is a new competition record.
Hot stat: City have scored five or more goals in 14% of all Guardiola's PL games in charge of the club.