My take on Manchester City Vs Aston Villa match - 20th Jan 2021

Today's Match between Man city and Aston villa would have been a no contest in any given season but the way 20-21 EPL season has started and the way Aston villa are going there way this cannot be called as a david vs goliath match but rather than a match of chances and i'm not talking about creating chances because believe me no one can create more chances than Manchester city but the same can be said that they missed most of the chances specially the way they started the season leaking goals and creating nothing, but we can call Aston villa the surprise package of the season , the way they started the season ripping apart the best defence of the champions Liverpool and Idont think anyone even the staunch believer would have even guessed the result, and of course they also have a reaper named Jack who can rip apart opposition's defence with ease . The day they defeated liverpool , I think people who have put their money on Aston villa would have dreamt of another Miracle (Since Aston villa was in the same position last season as the so called LCFC where the season before the miracle).

The biggest battle would be in the middle of the park without doubt, and there is a comparison already started between Mr. Grealish and KDB ( some cityzens might call him King De bruyn :) } who can create more chances this season . So, let me tell you Man city fans, King DB has crossed Jack in chances created but still it will be good to see how they perform.Villa will be hoping their talismanic captain will be fit and available.

The way John stones and Ruben Diaz are defending, not only Laporte and Nathen Ake are thinking of what they have to do to kick a ball but Ederson is also thinking the same. if Man city somehow wins the league then they might name the "All or Nothing" Season to resurrection of John Stones . And,people are already calling Diaz a like to like replacement of Kompany (but frankly speaking its too early to call him a proper replacement), but anyways he is doing no harm to his reputation. Number of clean sheets are increasing and the onus will be on Aston villa to break this wall and we will have to see who Pep plays beside these two in the defence ( believe me has has options now). Midfield will be same like the last match and they have been racking up the wins without a proper centre forward, people are still waiting to see Aguero this season and Villa would definitely like to avoid him and Gabriel Jesus also spending loads of time on the sideline.

We are still not sure what the condition would be for the Aston villa players ,they have been watching the league on their Television sets for past 3 weeks playing a youth team against Liverpool and then the obvious issue which is not in their hands, so we are still to see what shape they are in right now and what will be the best 11 to face Man city and take the field at Etihad.But the break might have given Ross Barkley the chance to be fit for Today's clash which will be a big plus for Villa.

Man city will definitely be the favorites to win the contest as in the recent past they have bossed this fixture and recently they have reinstated as the title favorites but we cannot simple downplay villa here keeping their recent history in mind against big teams.

Man city will go top of the league if they keep their winning momentum in tact and Villa will be hoping to make the most out of their game in hands and fielding a full strength side will be their priority Today.

Predicted Man city XI-

Ederson, Stones, Diaz, Walker, Concelo, Gundagon, Rodri, De Bruyn, Riad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Sterling

Predicted Aston Villa XI-

Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Luiz, McGinn; El Ghazi, Barkley, Grealish, Watkins

So, this was my take for today's match. Share your views in the comment section!