Sat Dec 21 18:07:03 UTC 2024: ## Crisis-Hit Man City Face Tough Villa Test

**Birmingham, UK** – A struggling Manchester City, reeling from a recent slump in form, faces a crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park today at 12:30 PM GMT. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, and streamed on Discovery+.

City, currently fifth in the table after winning just one of their last eleven games, arrive in Birmingham on the back of a demoralizing 2-1 derby defeat to Manchester United. Manager Pep Guardiola has publicly admitted to self-doubt following the team’s poor run. Key players like Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, Rodri, and Ruben Dias (out for a month) will be absent, although Rico Lewis returns from suspension and Manuel Akanji may feature alongside John Stones.

Aston Villa, sitting seventh, are hoping to capitalize on City’s vulnerability. A win would propel them level on points with fourth-placed Nottingham Forest, whom they lost to last time out. Villa could welcome back Leon Bailey and Tyrone Mings, though Jacob Ramsey remains injured. Considering City’s loss at Villa Park last season and Villa’s strong home record, the home side will be confident of causing an upset. The odds, however, still favour Man City, but the current state of affairs suggests anything is possible.

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