Manchester City take on Aston Villa at home this weekend in a match which could prove vital at both ends of the table.
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The Citizens will be hoping to consolidate their top four spot in the Premier League and in turn securing manager Manuel Pellegrini’s immediate future. On the other hand, Aston Villa – who will have a spring in their step following their FA Cup semi-final win at Wembley – will be looking to pull clear of the relegation zone.
Joe Hart
The England stopper has been Manchester City’s number one all season, putting in some good performances and is perhaps unlucky not to be at a side challenging for the title.
Pablo Zabaleta
In the Citizens’ loss of form, every player had an amount of blame to shoulder and Zabaleta was no different, Having said that, he can be unplayable on his day and will look to take advantage of Aston Villa’s fragility.
Martin Demichelis
The Argentine has grown into his role at the Etihad Stadium after some woeful displays in the past. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in tactical forethought and his reading of the game.
Eliaquim Mangala
The Frenchman has been somewhat of a flop this season and not in any way justified his lofty pricetag. Kompany’s injury will mean that he is selected and he should look to prove his doubters wrong.
Aleksandar Kolarov
From a dead ball Kolarov is as deadly as any in the Premier League. The Serbian has a devastating final ball and should Aston Vila give him space on the flank, they will be punished.
Fernandinho
Didn’t play against West Ham last weekend, but this week Man City play against a side whose tails are up following their Wembley FA Cup semi final win. The Brazilian will be a nuisance in the middle of the park, disrupting attacks and getting in the way of passes.
Yaya Toure
This week has seen Yaya Toure’s future as one of the hot topics in the press. The Ivorian midfielder will be pleased to get back to football and hope to improve his recent disappointing form. Despite that, he has scored 10 goals in 30 games.
Samir Nasri
Another player who didn’t start against Aston Villa, but his creativity could be key to unlocking what will be a stubborn Aston Villa defence.
Jesus Navas
The Spaniard has suffered an indifferent season, but impressed in the home win against West Ham last week. He will likely be handed a further opportunity to get at Villa’s full backs.
David Silva
Widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the Premier League, though having said that, has struggled recently. He has scored 11 this season, a reasonable return, but some inept displays have called his commitment into question.
Sergio Aguero
Mr. Reliable for Manchester City. No matter how they play, they can always rely on Aguero to look a threat and invariably score one or two goals. The Argentine is one of the best strikers in the world.