Man City good for two-goal handicap on Garde’s Villa dugout debut

Gaffer Garde can ban his French connection speaking their mother tongue all he wants, but even a draw here seems a remote possibility at 15/4.

Star striker Sergio Aguero’s absence for Man City has hardly been noticed, with 4/1 first scorer shout Wilfried Bony ably deputising, while Kevin De Bruyne was rested in midweek and that’s a bad sign for the Villans.

Midfield threat

Spain playmaker David Silva won’t be risked after more than two weeks out with an ankle problem, but that is scant consolation because of the form of Bony, De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling.

It’s midfield pair Yaya Toure and Fernandinho that also pose Villa problems. Ivorian Toure has three in his last four matches against this opposition, so is well worth a punt at 15/8 anytime.

Brazil international Fernandinho, meanwhile, scored last when theses previously met back in April, and also netted in Sevilla midweek, so it worth a punt in the same market at 6/1.

French connection must cease to flop

What little hope Villa have of getting something from this game lies in their French-speakers – communicating en Anglais as instructed – combining with the British contingent, led by captain Micah Richards and winger Scott Sinclair. The latter is a tasty 10/3 to net anytime.

It’s been either Jordan Ayew (11/4) or Rudy Gestede (9/4) in attack under Tim Sherwood, so Garde may be bold and pair the Ghana and Benin internationals together. That would be bold in a battle with the team that topped the table going into the weekend, but may be necessary.

Ashley Westwood should return to midfield after a head injury, wile Villa clubman Gabriel Agbonlahor will be assessed following a calf problem.

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Coral’s top tip: Man City can definitely cover a two-goal handicap here at that tasty 3/1 price.