Manchester City put forth a true statement performance on Wednesday night, after taking Nottingham Forest to the cleaners with a staggering 6-0 victory.
Erling Haaland scored back-to-back hat-tricks, Julian Alvarez registered a brilliant brace, and Joao Cancelo thumped in a belter to help Manchester City maintain their 100% win record at home so far this season.
With the Sky Blues looking to put pressure on current table-toppers Arsenal with yet another victory, a lowly Aston Villa next stand in their way.
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While the Villains possess quality in abundance, their form has suggested the opposite, as they sit 19th in the Premier League table.
In a repeat of the iconic contest between both sides on the final day of last season, here is how we expected Manchester City to line-up.
Predicted Team:
After keeping his third clean sheet in five Premier League matches, Ederson will keep his place in net as per standard procedure.
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Considering Sergio Gomez is still learning the ropes during his early days at the club, Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo are expected to be the starting full-back pair once again.
With Aymeric Laporte still out injured, Nathan Ake getting back up to full fitness, and Manuel Akanji’s signing confirmed on transfer deadline day, John Stones and Ruben Dias are set to continue in the centre of defence.
Rodri is a safe bet to start as the single pivot, considering Kalvin Phillips failed to train in the run up to Friday's final session before the trip to the Midlands.
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It is virtually impossible to drop Ilkay Gundogan at the moment - a player who has been one of Manchester City’s most in-form players this season.
With Kevin De Bruyne given a breather against Nottingham Forest, he is expected to slot back in to midfield for the upcoming clash against Aston Villa.
Bernardo Silva is thriving as a right winger at the moment, and it may be a challenge for Pep Guardiola to replace him for Riyad Mahrez or Cole Palmer for the contest against Steven Gerrard’s side.
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After scoring his second hat-trick in his first five league games for Manchester City, Erling Haaland is likely to be unleashed once again on Saturday.
With Phil Foden starting every game in the Premier League so far this campaign, he may be handed a rest this time around, as Julian Alvarez could be given a start, especially after his heroics against Nottingham Forest.
Starting XI: Ederson; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo; Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez.
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Substitutes: Stefan Ortega Moreno, Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Sergio Gomez, Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden.
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand