Thirteen points separate the two teams at Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. Manchester City arrive in Birmingham as the only Premier League side still with a flawless record, seven wins out of seven to open the campaign.
Aston Villa start the weekend 12th on eight points, with two wins from their opening seven league matches. They are unbeaten across all competitions since a 1-2 home defeat by Nottingham Forest on 12 September.
Manzambi left until the morning
Johan Manzambi, a £51m summer signing from Freiburg, picked up a knock in the Premier League win at Newcastle last weekend and sat out Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Viking FK. Emery told Sports Mole and other outlets he would wait as long as possible before deciding.
“We must be ready in case he is not (ready), to stay consistent collectively,” Emery said.
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“In case he can play, fantastic, but if not, then we wait for the next match.”
The Switzerland international has scored three goals in his last four appearances across all competitions.
Haaland cleared, Foden on a hat-trick
Erling Haaland was rested for Manchester City’s 5-1 Champions League win at AEK Athens on Tuesday, having picked up a knock after scoring twice against Ipswich Town the previous weekend. Enzo Maresca has told reporters the striker is “100% fit” to start at Villa Park.
“Erling is the only one 100% available,” Maresca said.
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Haaland has 12 goals in all competitions this season. He is likely to line up alongside Phil Foden, who scored a hat-trick in Athens and whom Maresca has pledged to help become “one of the best players in England” again.
Maresca still perfect in the Premier League
Maresca has yet to drop a Premier League point since taking charge at Manchester City. City lead the division on 21 points from seven matches, with Villa trailing in mid-table on eight.
Kick-off at Villa Park is at 12:30pm local time on Saturday.
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