Aston Villa v Man City: Inside track on Pep Guardiola's side
Aston Villa take on Manchester City at Wembley this weekend as they hope to cause an upset and win the Carabao Cup.
We spoke with Ric Turner, of Bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk, to get a proper take on Pep Guardiola's side.
See what he had to say here...
It's been quite a strange season for City, it's fair to say. What's the mood like amongst fans having seen Liverpool runaway with the league and a European ban being handed to the side?
Our title defence has been a little disappointing, but you can't really legislate for the run Liverpool are on this season.
It's a remarkable record and they are deserved champions.
The mood regarding the European ban is a bit more bullish, however, and fans are hopeful that the club will be exonerated at the CAS.
How have the side looked at the Carabao Cup this season, plenty of teams have disregarded it - but do you think City see it higher in their estimations given the way the top flight has gone?
City have always treated the Carabao Cup seriously in recent years, winning it in four of the last six years, so I don't think our league position this season has any bearing on how we view the competition.
City have obviously had Villa's number in the league this season, do you think they'll take heart from that going into another game with the Villans?
City will obviously be strong favourites at Wembley, and will know they have the beating of Villa, but anything can happen in a one-off game.
How do you expect City to line-up at Wembley, will it be the strongest possible side?
I think Guardiola will rotate a little after the midweek exertions in Madrid.
Claudio Bravo will start in goal, and the likes of David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling are all likely to be recalled.
Are there any injury worries heading into the game this weekend?
Aymeric Laporte went off injured at the Bernabeu with a suspected hamstring injury and will surely miss the game.
It's a blow for City, as the Frenchman is our best defender by some distance.
There are obviously countless threats in this City team, but who do you think will be the biggest worry for Villa at Wembley?
Sergio Aguero has been in fine form once again this season, and will no doubt have a point to prove after missing out on Wednesday.
What have you made of Villa from afar, do you see any way they could cause an upset at Wembley?
I've been quite impressed with Villa whenever I've seen them this season, and think they will survive the drop.
Jack Grealish is an outstanding talent who would grace any side in the country, and Tyrone Mings is a formidable presence at the back.
I think, however, that City will have too much for them on Sunday.
Your match prediction?
3-1 to City.
