What if....?

What if Sven Goran Eriksson had become Villa manager in 2006. Sven was part of a consortium that showed interest in buying Aston Villa prior to Randy Lerner taking over the Club.

Where would Villa have been in the Premiership now? What would the squad look like now? It is a simple assumption that Sven would have brought most of the players he has bought for Man City to Villa Park and it is strange to think that many of the City players that we will be watching could have easily been playing for the Claret and Blues!

Since those days the rest is history. MON came to Villa Park, Randy bought Aston Villa and Sven moved to Man City.

Both teams have established themselves this season as contenders for the lesser European places at the end of the season. City has a great home record remaining unbeaten at home so far, but with only one win on the road. Villa have lost their last two home games and are looking at this game to bounce back and re-establish their challenge for that 'top six' finish.

The away fixture earlier this season saw Man City somewhat fatuously take all three points, with Villa having the biggest percentage of the play.

So it should be a tight affair. Both teams prefer to attack on the break and this will make for a midfield battle royal. City as are Villa are strong in the middle at the back and the wings will be all important in this game. City's Martin Petrov is a tricky and influential player and Olof Mellberg will need to be on his mettle to keep Petrov at bay.As always Ashley Young will create problems for the City defence and should provide the ammunition for Villa to snatch victory by the odd goal.

Over the past seasons Man City have become a troublesome team for the Villa. That run was broken last season and let's hope that we can well and truly lay those ghosts of Man City and Darius Vassell well and truly to rest!!

Come on you Villa boys!!!!