Preview
It's time for a Brummy bashing as Manuel Pellegrini's derby day heroes face Paul Lambert's Villains.
Sunday 22nd September marked a three day crusade over the North. Nine goals in two games left the Red Devil's distraught and the Latic's lashed as Manchester sparkled a sultry shade of sky blue.
Manuel's minions have another battle to win; this time in Birmingham.
The blues have a repulsive record at Villa Park and have recorded only 16 wins in 74 games against the claret and blues. However, recent history will buoy the visitors after seizing two 0-1 victories in their last two visits to the 43,000 capacity stadium.
The Villains sit uncomfortably in 13th place after their opening five games and have made a cagey start to the 2013/2014 campaign. Christian Benteke has made a stately start to the season and tops the league's goalscoring table with four goals. However, a hip injury acquired at Carrow Road last weekend means the Belgian will face six sour weeks on the sidelines.
Will a Benteke-less Villa have any bite?
With Vincent Kompany back in the side, it's hard to imagine. Captain Fantastic nestled Wayne Rooney in the safety of his pocket on Saturday and gave a puissant performance that helped his side to a monumental 4-1 victory over Manchester United.
Paul Lambert's young side are certainly of the industrious type, but the blues are beginning to emerge from their shell.
Goals are flowing, and they'll keep going.
0-2
Line-Up
Manuel Pellegrini made ten changes to the side that crucified Manchester United on Saturday and it paid off. Fernandinho was the only survivor in a 5-0 massacre over Wigan Athletic.
Stevan Jovetic opened his goalscoring account with a brace and will be hoping to grab his first league goal on Saturday afternoon. Edin Dzeko was also on the scoresheet, but Alvaro Negredo's beautiful bulldozing of Nemanja Vidic should see him get a starting place alongside Sergio Aguero.
Stevan Jovetic scored a brace against Wigan Athletic in City's 5-0 Capitcal One Cup win.
Micah Richards was also a starter on Tuesday night and will be in contention for a starting place following his impressive display.
Key Players
Gabriel Agbonlahor
The Englishman has made a fine start to the campaign and his speed has the ability to frighten the best of defenders. With Benteke injured, goalscoring responsibilties lie with him and he'll be expected to play on the shoulders of Kompany and Nastasic.
Stevan Jovetic
Although a starting place is not guaranteed, the Montenegrin will be looking to add to the two goals he scored against Wigan in mid week. The crafty attacker still has a lot to live up to and City fans will be hoping to see his name on the team sheet this afternoon.
