Sergio Aguero is still isolating for hosts but Villa could welcome back Ross Barkley; follow Man City vs Aston Villa with our live blog on Sky Sports website and app; watch free match highlights shortly after full-time on Sky Sports' digital platforms and YouTube channel
Wednesday 20 January 2021 17:27, UK
Team news and stats ahead of Man City vs Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday; kick-off 6pm.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that striker Sergio Aguero will miss the match with Aston Villa as the Argentine is still self-isolating.
City's record goalscorer has missed City's last three games after being told to isolate as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Defender Aymeric Laporte remains on the sidelines through injury but the Frenchman is close to returning.
Dean Smith admits Aston Villa were taken aback by the speed of the coronavirus outbreak at the club. Nine players and five staff tested positive for Covid-19 and the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground was closed.
It is unclear how strong a side Villa will be able to field but Guardiola is working on the assumption they will be at full strength. Striker Wesley (knee) remains a long-term absentee but Ross Barkley could be set to return following a thigh injury.
Follow Man City vs Aston Villain our dedicated live match blog. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.
Dean Smith's boys are back in match action this week after more than a fortnight off due to the Covid outbreak and I'm expecting them to continue where they left off, playing brave, attack-minded football.
Aston Villa continue to be underestimated by the betting markets, even in this game, and their performance data puts them right in the mix for a top-six finish. In fact, looking at expected goals, both offensively and defensively, it ranks them down as the league's fourth-best team.
Despite City's imperious form, Pep Guardiola's side look woefully short at 1/5 with Sky Bet for the victory. It's still not quite flowing for City in the final third to the levels that the markets have them priced up as. In their past two fixtures they've scored the first goal at crucial times vs Brighton and Crystal Palace when it necessarily didn't look like coming.
I want Villa on my side here. Unlike most teams that rock up to the Etihad Stadium, Smith's side don't play with fear and are working at an average of 15.9 shots per game this season, including registering 15 away at league leaders Manchester United and 18 in their crazy win over Liverpool.
I'm on the draw.
JONES KNOWS PREDICTS: 1-1 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
In the latest Pitch to Post Review show Jasper Taylor is joined by Gerard Brand and Ben Ransom to discuss Manchester City's win at Anfield, ahem, sorry, Liverpool's goalless draw with Manchester United at Anfield (01:54), which only had the team 30 miles away at the Etihad Stadium truly celebrating.
Why are Liverpool misfiring? And are City rightly favourites for the title now?
In part two we focus on Leeds after their third straight defeat (22:29), but are we too hard on Marcelo Bielsa's side?
We're also joined by Adam Bate to discuss all things Midlands football, with a focus on Wolves' dip in form (35:48), and in part four we answer your Twitter questions (45:51), including: Why no offside flags? And should Liverpool be after an out-and-out striker?
To hear more, download the Sky Sports Pitch to Post Review podcast on your provider
