DAMIEN MEYER / AFP

Aston Villa v Manchester City Odds, Betting Tips, and Preview

Game time & date: 1730 BST, Saturday September 3
Location: Villa Park, Birmingham
Last result between the two: Manchester City 3-2 Aston Villa, Premier League, May 2022
Broadcast: Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League

The late kick off in the Premier League this Saturday sees defending champions Manchester City head to Aston Villa, where pressure is growing on under-fire manager Steven Gerrard.

Villa went down 2-1 away to league leaders Arsenal during the midweek round, meaning it is four defeats from five games this season for Gerrard’s men, who are in the relegation zone.

City, meanwhile, have bounced back from a draw at Newcastle with a pair of wins, with summer signing Erling Haaland in irresistible form – the Norway striker has hit back-to-back Premier League hat-tricks.

Villa defence struggling for cohesion

Villa are yet to keep a clean sheet this season, with Gerrard’s defensive plans having been undone by centre-back Diego Carlos rupturing his Achilles in their win over Everton. That 2-1 success is the only time Villa have avoided defeat this term and questions are already being asked about whether Gerrard is the right man to lead the club.

The visit of City is likely to increase the pressure on the Scouser’s shoulders, with Villa having lost nine times in a row that this fixture has been played. Villa did play their part in a five-goal thriller at the Etihad back in May and went down 2-1 at home last term, so they only lost by a single goal on both occasions.

In fact, while the head-to-head record is clear backing for the visitors being strong favourites in the Aston Villa v Manchester City betting odds to win, Villa have at least scored in five of the last six meetings. The 13/20 from 888Sport on Villa to score at least one goal is therefore worth considering for this one.

Unstoppable Haaland setting rapid pace

Haaland has claimed the match ball two games in a row for City and it would come as little surprise if he was to make it three on Saturday. He is just 5/2 to score the first goal, 8/13 to score any time and 11/1 to get a hat-trick with 888Sport.

City have scored at least two goals in their last 14 matches in the Premier League and netted at least twice nine games in a row against Villa, so it seems safe to say they will do so again here. At 6/5 with 888Sport, City to score over 2.5 goals is worth considering – this bet would have landed in four straight Premier League games for the champions.

The fact City conceded a combined five goals against Palace and Newcastle suggests their defence can be got at, so the 17/10 on City to win with both teams to score for Saturday’s game is big with 888Sport.

Predictions

The Aston Villa v Manchester City betting odds to win point to an away victory and it is hard to argue given this fixture has ended in success for the Manchester outfit nine times in a row in all competitions.

City to win with both teams to score at 17/10 with 888Sport is a strong selection to kick things off, with Villa having scored in five of their past six games against Pep Guardiola’s men.

On the goalscorers market it is impossible to look beyond Haaland given the incredible start to the season being enjoyed by City’s new star striker. He is a very tempting 11/1 to score what would be a third straight Premier League hat-trick, with the 5/2 on Haaland to score first worth considering too.

Author: Jamie Smith