This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Aston Villa recorded back-to-back victories for the first time this season by defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 last weekend.
Dean Smith needed late heroics from Matt Targett as the left-back slotted home in the 94th minute to send the west Midlands club up to 12th in the league table.
Now they head to Manchester looking to continue their rich vein of form, but it will be no easy test as City are the reigning champions after all.
Aston Villa’s summer signings’ performances so far this season are rated in the video below…
They have faltered in recent times, losing to Norwich City and Wolves, meaning they are currently six points off league leaders Liverpool.
For all of their riches of talent from Raheem Sterling to Kevin De Bruyne, there’s still one area that Villa can exploit.
On the Chalkboard
Pep Guardiola has suffered a bit of an injury crisis in defence since the season started with Aymeric Laporte expected to be out for an extended period following knee surgery.
John Stones was even injured at one point while Nicolas Otamendi just can’t be trusted, forcing the Spanish boss into playing two defensive midfielders in central defence.
Against Atalanta in midweek, the two-time Premier League winner saw his problems get even worse as Rodri, one of the two drafted in to play centre-back, picked up a hamstring injury.
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Therefore, it seems likely that Fernandinho and Stones will be the partnership this afternoon, and that’s undoubtedly a recipe for disaster – the Englishman has been thrown into the deep end having only just returned himself, and the 34-year-old is hardly a natural defender.
This is where Wesley can pounce – he’s in fantastic form right now so he can be a massive nuisance to that makeshift backline.
Villa’s club-record man has netted four goals in seven matches while over the last two games alone, the 22-year-old has managed eight shots on goal.
His rugged nature, which could prove vital this weekend, has seen him win four aerial duels in the same time frame, per WhoScored.
If he keeps this up at the Etihad Stadium, then he may well hold the keys to Villa returning back to the Midlands with some sort of result.