AVL vs MCI Dream11 Prediction Premier League Fantasy Football Tips

Aston Villa hosts Manchester City in what promises to be an exciting Premier League clash on 21 December 2024. Both teams are eager to turn their seasons around, making this matchup crucial for their respective campaigns.

Aston Villa vs Man City Premier League 2024-25 Fantasy Football Preview

Villa has shown flashes of brilliance this season but has struggled with consistency. Last weekend, they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Nottingham Forest, despite leading for most of the match. Two late goals from Forest overturned Jhon Duran’s opener and a remarkable save by Emiliano Martinez, leaving Villa without points.

Prior to this loss, Villa had secured three wins in a row, including a crucial Champions League victory over RB Leipzig. However, Unai Emery’s side has faced challenges, particularly in away games, where they’ve lost four consecutive matches in the league.

At Villa Park, though, the story is different. Villa is unbeaten in their last seven home games and sits in seventh place in the league. With a win, they could overtake Manchester City in the standings, adding extra motivation for this fixture.

The reigning champions, Manchester City, are in uncharted waters. They have lost five of their last seven Premier League matches and suffered a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in last week’s derby. This loss marked their eighth defeat in the last 11 games across all competitions.

City’s defensive issues and lack of clinical finishing have been key reasons for their struggles. Despite taking the lead in several games, they’ve failed to hold on, losing two out of their last three Premier League matches after being ahead at halftime.

In attack, City has taken the most shots in the league but has converted just 9.9% of them—one of their lowest conversion rates in recent years. Star striker Erling Haaland has been below his usual standards, while Phil Foden has the unenviable record of taking the most shots without scoring this season.

AVL vs MCI Form Guide

Aston Villa (Premier League): LDLWWL
Aston Villa (All Competitions): DLWWWL
Manchester City (Premier League): LLLWDL
Manchester City (All Competitions): DLWDLL

Key Talking Points

Aston Villa’s Resilience at Home: Villa has turned Villa Park into a fortress, remaining unbeaten in their last seven league matches there. This strength at home gives them confidence as they face City, a team they beat 1-0 at the same venue last season. A repeat victory would mark the first time Villa has beaten City in consecutive seasons since 1993.
Manchester City’s Title Defence in Jeopardy: City is currently nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, with one game more played. Pep Guardiola’s side needs a win to stay in the title race. However, their ageing midfield and injury-hit defence continue to pose significant challenges.
The Importance of Squad Depth: Both teams are managing demanding schedules. Aston Villa is competing in the Champions League, and Manchester City is navigating both domestic and European competitions. Squad depth will be tested, especially with key players missing on both sides.

AVL vs MCI Dream11 Prediction

GK: Martinez

DEF: Digne, Gvardiol,R Dias

MID: Tielemans, Kovacic, Silva, De Bruyne

ST: Watkins, Doku, Haaland

Aston Villa Starting Lineup

Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins

Jhon Duran is likely to start again after impressing while deputizing for Ollie Watkins. Duran has scored six league goals this season.
Ollie Watkins, Villa’s top scorer with seven goals, He might return from a minor injury but could be rested.
Leon Bailey could make a comeback after a hamstring issue.
Tyrone Mings is available after recovering from illness.
Jacob Ramsey is still sidelined due to injury.

Manchester City Starting Lineup

Ortega; Walker, Stones, Gvardiol, Lewis; Kovacic; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku; Haaland

Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, and Rodri are out due to injuries.
Ederson is doubtful, which could see Stefan Ortega starting in goal.
Mateo Kovacic and John Stones returned to the bench last week and could feature.
Jeremy Doku can start ahead of Jack Grealish in Guardiola’s preferred lineup.
Rico Lewis is back from suspension and likely to start.