Aston Villa vs Manchester City

22/12- This seems to be the most interesting tie for the week, with Manchester City climbing to the 4^th spot after their last week’s victory and Liverpool’s loss to Man U at Anfield and they will be visiting the consistent Aston Villa who are placed on the 7^th spot just 3 places behind the visitors. While Manchester City would be hoping for a full 3 points in order to increase their chances of overtaking Arsenal and capturing the 3^rd spot on the table, Villa would be keen to gain some spots on the table as well and a win would take them just a point adrift of their 4^th placed opponents.

 

Not much time ago Aston Villa were on a points riot and won 4 matches in a row but it was followed by a couple of losses to Arsenal and Portsmouth which has probable shaken their confidence and that showed in the last week’s draw against a weak Sunderland team. Villa however should be much comfortable playing at home and the crowd support is always a big advantage. The team also looks intact with all their main player remaining fit fireworks can be expected from Agbonlahor, Barry and company.

 

Manchester City on the other hand have some injury worries and in form striker Blumer has been lately suffering from a hamstring problem so a lot will depend on the performance of Petrov and Bianchi as they are the other two expected scoring players. Manchester City have been the best team at home but their away record this season is not that impressive but in football nothing can be said. A lot will be at stake when the whistle blows at Aston Villa and the team that might win this battle may just find itself in a great position on the points chart.

 

Prediction: 2-1, Aston Villa win

 

Sunderland vs Aston Villa

15/12- Manager Roy Keane would like to lift the moral of his side when taking on Villa who are ten spots ahead of the home team Sunderland on the points table. Sunderland have been a side that have promised a lot but not delivered, though the season is not yet over for them in any way as a win can get them out of the relegation zone they look to be struggling currently. On the contrary Villa have been a side of surprises and to their credit they have maintained a spot in the top half of the table and are a team that has won the last three away matches they have played and will be more than willing to extend that tally to four continuous away victories.

 

Martin O’Neill, the Villa manager is managing the smallest unit of players in the top league quite well and has been able to withdraw winning performances such that the side is also thing of a European competition spot. Though they have suffered a setback in recent times at home against stronger sides like the Gunners and Portsmouth but their sublime away form might just present them with the edge against a struggling Sunderland side. With the next two matches being against teams like Manchester City and Chelsea, Villa would definitely like to take full points out of this game. If Villa can win this one and the other results in the weekend go their way as well they might find themselves in an amazing 6^th spot.

 

Sunderland on the other hand have to ensure that they can make the fullest use of the home crowd and capitalize on recent poor shows by Villa at home. Most importantly Roy Keane’s side need to believe that they can do it and only then the match will flair some colors of excitement.

 

Prediction: 2-2

Aston Villa vs Portsmouth

8/12- It will be team number 6 taking on team number 7 this time as Aston Villa host Portsmouth. While the three recent home draws have been concerning for Portsmouth as they have come down to position 6 and will be hoping to revive the finishing ability like they showed in the beginning of the season. Aston Villa on the other hand would be looking to get over last week’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal and start afresh at home. The only discomforting fact for Portsmouth will be that Villa have won all of their last 5 away encounters.

 

While Reo- Coker returns after suspension Villa would be hoping to make the most of their form they showed in the second half against Arsenal last week and the goal scorer, Gardner would also be looking at retaining his spot in the starting eleven. Agbonlahor is the highest scorer for the club this season and the fans would be hoping that his magic is displayed on the field once again. The transfer talk for defender Mellberg would also be a matter for concern as the team does not have enough bench strength to replace him.

 

While the home team tackles all its troubles the visitors would be aiming for more than a point out of this encounter. Coach Jordan is surely optimistic about it even though three of their prominent defenders are out due to injury. Mwaruwari and Kanu should be the backbone of the striking force for Portsmouth with the former registering the highest number of goals this season for the club. Over all the competition looks to be fair and the team that can deliver on the field can get the result in their favour. Most importantly since the teams are locked together on the points table it will be interesting to see the changes in their positions after the match.

 

Prediction: 2-1 Portsmouth win

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