Aston Villa v Man City: Hughes & O’Neill to Start Season with a Point

Man City struggled away from home last season but they do have an excellent recent record at Villa Park and against this weekend’s opposition in general. The Citizens have lost just once to Aston Villa in the last 11 League meetings home and away (8 wins & 2 draws). They also have an excellent record at Villa Park as they’ve lost just once there in the last 10 visits. So Mark Hughes new side should travel to Birmingham full of confidence.

Martin O’Neill’s side performed wonders last season to finish 6th with the smallest squad in the Premier League. The Irishman has made a number of recruits with the defence likely to have a completely new look with experienced Brad Friedel in goal whilst Luke Young and Nicky Shorey will fill the full-back positions. These players shouldn’t take long to bed in as they all have Premier League experience. Steve Sidwell will also provide more tenacity in midfield whether Gareth Barry does stay or whether he joins Liverpool.

Hughes has brought in Tal Ben Haim and Jo this summer, though the Brazilian will not play as he is in Beijing with his country’s Olympic squad. The tall striker’s omission could prove costly as though he’s unproven in this country he is expected to be the main goal threat for this City side that struggled for goals last season. However, under the former Blackburn manager I expect the team to be far more attacking than the more defensive approach opted for by Sven Goran Eriksson last season.

Both teams are relatively evenly matched so a draw looks a good option for Premier 10 and Footy 15 players though it may well be worth covering your choice if you are not overly positive on the outcome. However, it’s worth noting that Villa have only won once in their last 8 opening day matches.

Pundit’s Pick: Hughes City Side to Earn a Point at Villa Park (DRAW)

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Tags: Aston Villa, footy 15, Man City, Premier 10, Premier League

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