Man City v Aston Villa predictions, betting preview and football tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Manchester City v Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 1, 6pm Wednesday

Best bet

Manchester City -1 goal on handicap
1pt 4-6 bet365, Betfair, Paddy Power

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P Foden to score first
1pt 11-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

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Team news

Man City
Sergio Aguero will be unavailable because he is self-isolating while Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake are expected to miss out.

Aston Villa
Key players Jack Grealish, Emiliano Martinez, Tyrone Mings, Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Ollie Watkins trained on Tuesday. Ross Barkley may be nearing a return but Wesley remains a long-term absentee.

Match preview

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith likened his players to "kids on their first day back in the playground" when they returned to the training pitch this week and it could be a case of men against boys when they go up against in-form Manchester City at the Etihad.

Villa have not played a Premier League fixture since New Year's Day as a result of a Covid-19 outbreak in the squad and they fielded a team of academy players in their 4-1 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup.

The Midlands outfit had exceeded expectations in the top flight this season prior to their enforced break but a number of their key protagonists such as Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins have returned to training.

And while Smith thinks the hiatus could benefit his side later in the season, his starting 11 could be short of full fitness for their clash with rejuvenated City.

Pep Guardiola's men made a mediocre start to the 2020-21 campaign but have since become the 4-7 favourites to win the title after an excellent run of form.

The Manchester club have gone 15 games unbeaten in all competitions, winning their last eight, and they looked back to their best in a 4-0 thumping of Crystal Palace last time out.

Six of City's last eight wins have been by at least two goals and they have recaptured the relentless nature of the side who won the title two seasons ago.

They will be facing a Villa team who could not only be a touch undercooked but who have also won only two of their last six matches.

While Smith has placed emphasis on a tighter defence this season, it could be difficult for them to hold back City at the Etihad, where the hosts have fired in 19 goals in their nine Premier League matches.

Punters are therefore advised to back City -1 goal on the handicap, meaning they need to win by two or more goals for the bet to win.

Central to City's chances of racking up a comprehensive win could be the performance of midfielder Phil Foden, who has eight goals this season and three since the turn of the year. The England international could be worth a bet to open the scoring.