Aston Villa vs. Man City: EPL Betting Preview

Manchester United cruised to the top of the Premier League on Saturday afternoon with a 2-1 win over Liverpool and the title race is now really on.

The Red Devils’ triumph at Old Trafford, thanks to Wayne Rooney’s brace, saw them leapfrog rivals Manchester City to lead by one point ahead of the latter’s trip to Villa Park on Sunday and I want to oppose Roberto Mancini’s side.

United, who picked up a valuable seven points from recent matches with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, are very much finding their stride and there was plenty to like about their display on Saturday.

That win has put the pressure on City and while a point against Aston Villa would take them back to the summit that is just what the Citizens might have to settle for in the televised clash.

A New Year wobble has been somewhat rectified by Mancini and his players but City look vulnerable on their travels to me, often lacking inspiration to break down stubborn opponents, and it is just one win in six matches away from home.

In those half dozen matches Mancini has seen his team find the net on just three occasions and it seems a long time ago no that they were winning 6-1 at the home of their bitter rivals back in October.

Defeats at Chelsea, Sunderland and Everton as well as dropped points at Anfield and The Hawthorns indicate that City wont have things all their own way in the Midlands and this looks a decent opportunity for Villa to kick-start their season around.

It’s been a disappointing campaign for Alex McLeish and his players but recent signs are that they might just be turning a corner and the loan signing of Robbie Keane has certainly been a positive.

Keane’s partnership with Darren Bent looks a decent one up front for Villa and if they can cause Man City problems at the back then Villa must just prevail.

I couldn’t be backing the visitors at odds on this afternoon and being able to lay City at under 1.80 represents excellent value. It could well be another frustrating afternoon for their Italian manager.

2pts Lay Man City (vs. Aston Villa) @ 1.75 (Betfair)