City take on Villarreal in real need of a victory to kickstart their Champions League campaign. The good news is that the Spaniards look the weakest team in the group, and have players missing through injury.
They don’t appear to be of the same calibre as Napoli and City, with the likes of Aguero and Silva back in the side, should claim the win. Of course European games are harder to predict than domestic fixtures. City’s travails in the Europa League are testimony to that.
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City’s run of good results against Villa continued in what was ultimately a comfortable victory. Mario Balotelli broke the deadlock with a delicious bicycle kick, and another second half blitz was capped by James Milner’s finest goal for the club.
The victory moved City to the top of the Premier League, a fitting reward for the club’s best ever start to a top flight campaign. One difference from last season is how Mancini can rest key players and still get the result. If we’re to mount a title challenge this will be a key factor.
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Hart – The crucial save from Agbonlahor at 0-0 spared City from a much harder afternoon. Nonchalantly plucked a fierce Warnock drive from the air. 8
Richards (K Toure 64) – Another solid display with an inadvertent assist for the opening goal. It’s to be hoped Micah’s latest injury isn’t serious. 7
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Undefeated City take on undefeated Villa in a game that threatens to be overshadowed by the upcoming Champions League and derby fixtures. It shouldn’t be.
To get three points City will need to be at their best against an Alex McLeish side that is likely to prove just as stubborn as David Moyes’ Everton. Patience may once again be required.
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