Gabriel Agbonlahor is facing a race against time to be fit after picking up a calf injury in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday. However, after watching the Englishman manage just eight touches of the ball on his visit to White Hart Lane, new boss Rémi Garde may have already decided on the best place for the striker this weekend.
Manuel Pellegrini welcomes back Gaël Clichy and former Villa midfielder Fabian Delph who is sure to receive a hostile reception should he feature. David Silva (ankle) will not be risked until after the international break and Pablo Zabaleta (knee) will also play no part.
Possible line-ups
Welcome, Mr Garde
(Rémi Garde will take charge of his first Premier League game on Sunday afternoon as he looks to save Aston Villa from relegation - image via Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
The evidence suggests that Aston Villa's new manager likes to play an attacking game, and that style of football could be effective in clearing up the crime scene at Villa Park along the season. Garde's Lyon side could not be described as being goal shy under his reign; in his last two seasons at the Stade de Gerland, Lyon were only outgunned in scoring charts by champions PSG.
A leaky defence, however, was also characteristic of his three year tenure in the South-East of France, and defending is something the 49-year-old must prioritise this weekend. Villa have conceded fewer goals than any other team in the bottom six positions in the Premier League this term, but must keep their wits about them to deny the division's top scorers.
A vision of what could have been for Micah Richards
(Micah Richards was Manchester City's most promising academy graduate before injuries began to plague his career - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Emotions will be riding high for both Micah Richards and Manchester City fans. For the travelling supporters, a reunion with a player that bled sky blue for nine years; for Richards, a chance to share a moment with those supporters and to greet old teammates, but also a glimpse at what could have been.
Unlike Joleon Lescott, who was able to fulfill his potential at the Etihad Stadium, Richards' long battle with injury prevented him from reaching his. Although Richards captained the Blues at the age of 19, was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award for 2007-2008, received his first international call up, and won three major trophies with the club, Richards had it in him to reach greater heights. He was that good.
Only fond memories exist between City fans and Richards; the man who was known around Carrington for his contagious personality.
Richards has been a bright spark in an otherwise miserable start to the campaign for Villa. His blocks, clearances, tackles and interceptions have contributed to the side's respectable defensive record and he can be found among the league's best defenders for those statistics. The 27-year-old is rebuilding, not seeing out, his career at Villa Park and form like this will attract clubs free from the threat of relegation.
(Image via www.skysports.com - link: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12799/10054556/micah-richards-impressing-at-aston-villa-ahead-of-man-city-reunion)
Almost ten years ago, a 17-year-old Richards announced himself to City fans with a stoppage-time header and an infamous interview in a 5th round FA Cup tie against Aston Villa. Manchester City will be hoping a similar fairytale doesn't unravel this weekend.
The not-so heroic return of Fabian Delph to Villa Park
(Fabian Delph is set to receive a hostile reception from Aston Villa fans this weekend - image via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Expecting a not-so warm welcome on Sunday is Fabian Delph. The midfielder infamously turned his back on pledges he made to Aston Villa by joining Manchester City this summer and the reception he'll receive, quite frankly, is deserved.
After expressing his loyalty to the club amid rumours he was set for a switch to the Etihad Stadium, Delph became a hero at Villa Park - a man who was more about playing time than 'paying time', if you like.
“I love the club and I can’t wait to be captain next season,” the 25-year-old insisted in a very public showing of devotion to the Midlands club. But just one week later, Delph was pictured holding up a sky-blue shirt in Manchester. It was the ultimate betrayal to Villa who had helped him become one of the country's most improved players.
Delph is unlikely to make his first start for his new team on Sunday after just returning from a hamstring injury, but could be given some minutes to improve his fitness later in the game. The reception won't be pretty, but instead of worrying about Villa supporters, Delph should focus on endearing himself to the fans of his new club who have seen very little of him thus far.
