Aston Villa v Man City betting tips: Toughest test yet for Gerrard

Villa have a poor record against the top teams this season, with their highest scalp being that of eighth-placed Manchester United.

Five matches against the current top seven all ended in defeat but they did manage to score in four of those.

Both teams to score is 20/23 while an away win and goals at both ends looks a good option for Aston Villa v Man City betting tips at 19/10.

Aston Villa v Man City head-to-head

Recent history does not bode well for Villa, who have lost the last six meetings with City.

They made a dream start in this fixture in April when John McGinn gave them a first-minute lead but goals from Phil Foden and Rodri saw City clinch a 2-1 win with both teams also having a man sent off.

The best that Villa have managed in the last 11 meetings is a 0-0 draw in 2015 but they have restricted City to two goals in each of the last three clashes so a City win and under 3.5 goals is an option at 6/5.

Aston Villa v Man City key battles

McGinn opened the scoring in this match last season and is in fine form, having scored his third goal of the season at the weekend.

Gerrard praised the Scotland international for two “outstanding” performances since he arrived at the club and McGinn is 9/2 to be on target again.

McGinn will need to be at his best against City’s midfield, even if they continue to be without Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish as they were at the weekend.

Ilkay Gundogan (pictured above) stepped up with City’s opener against West Ham and his midfield battle with McGinn will be vital.

Gundogan is 9/2 to open the scoring in Aston Villa v Man City betting tips while Raheem Sterling is 15/2 to score and have an assist in the #YourCall odds.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication