(Image via Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Head-to-Head
- In 75 league matches between the two sides on City's home turf, the Blues have won 44 times
- Aston Villa haven't won at the Etihad Stadium since 2007 when John Carew and Shaun Maloney scored the goals in a 2-0 win
- City have scored 20 goals in their last five home fixtures against the Villains
- In the same fixture last season, City claimed a 4-0 victory to send them on their way to their second Premier League title in three years
2014/2015 Stats Comparison
- City (67) have scored 43 more goals than Aston Villa (24) this season - Villa have the league's lowest goal tally
- The Blues (34) have conceded 11 fewer goals than Tim Sherwood's side (24)
- Villa have picked up the most red cards (7) in the league this season. City have just two
- Manuel Pellegrini's men have created more chances (468) than any other side in the league this term. Villa (260) have created only 12 more than the league's least creative side Hull City (248)
- City, along with rivals Manchester United, are the league's most accurate passers and have completed 86% of their passes this season. Villa have completed 79% of theirs
Player Stats
- Yaya Touré has scored four goals and has registered three assists in his nine games against Aston Villa
- Christian Benteke has scored 9 goals in his last 7 games for Sherwood's side
- When he has featured in the starting line up, James Milner has lost just once in 9 league games against his former club since joining City in August 2010
(Yaya Touré has a fine record against the Villains - image via Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Aston Villa
Form Guide
Overall (last 6 matches)
- Manchester City (WLWLLW) - 11th best in the league
- Aston Villa (WWLLDW) - 8th best in the league
Home form (last 6 matches)
- Manchester City (LDWWWW)
- Aston Villa (LLLWLD)
Away form (last 6 matches)
- Manchester City (DWLLLL)
- Aston Villa (LLLWLW)
Injuries
Manchester City
- David Silva (cheek) has trained normally with the squad and is expected to feature
- Wilfried Bony has returned to training after missing the last three games
- James Milner also featured in training and could face his former side
- Vincent Kompany (Thigh)
- Stevan Jovetić (Muscular injury)
- Gaël Clichy (Muscular injury)
(Wilfried Bony could return after recovering from injury - image via Alex Livesy/Getty Images)
Aston Villa
- Gabriel Agbonlahor will face a late fitness test ahead of the 17.30 kick off
- Aly Cissokho has passed fit to play after a groin injury
- Nathan Baker (Knee)
- Ciaran Clark (Knee)
- Alan Hutton (Foot)
- Chris Herd (Knee)
Potential Line-Ups
Manchester City
Hart, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernando, Fernandinho, Yaya Touré, Navas, Silva, Agüero
Aston Villa
Guzan, Bacuna, Vlaar, Baker, Richardson, Cleverley, Westwood, Delph, N'Zogbia, Benteke, Grealish
