Villa have hit a bit of form and seem to be getting back to the level they were at last season.
They had another good win in the Champions League this week, but then you’d expect them to beat Viking pretty comfortably.
Emery’s side played well against Newcastle last week too but I thought Newcastle were a bit too gung-ho, and paid the price. City are a lot more streetwise.
City are going to slip up eventually this season but the fact they have lost on their past three visits to Villa Park actually makes me think it will be different this time.
Erling Haaland is fit too, which will obviously help. With all the heat on the club at the moment it could just turn out to be one of those seasons where they continue on this incredible run.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
Waffle the Wonder Dog’s prediction: Ross BARKley gets two for Villa, but Erling HOWLand to score a hat-trick. Sorry, dad! 2-3
James’ favourite Villa players: The early to mid-’90s was the time when I was getting into football so Dean Saunders and Dalian Atkinson were my heroes, and Paul McGrath as well. That was certainly a golden era – I need to mention Shaun Teale too, because he was always a favourite. I think I had his name on the back of a shirt.
Now? I think most people of my generation would pick John McGinn. He is an absolute club legend for what he has done for us down the years and my shirt now has got McGinn on the back.
James on Villa’s season: We seem to be picking up some form after another slow start. It looks like Johan Manzambi is going to be pivotal for us this season and Nicolas Jackson has started well, he has stuck a few away.
This might sound a bit bonkers but, with Emery’s record in Europe, I am more excited about that than what we might do domestically, because I think we might go deep in the Champions League.
James’ prediction: Because we are weak at the back at the moment I think City will score two or three, but we are looking lively up front and could do the same. I’ve got to be partisan – and I am also going to go for a barnstormer. 3-2
AI’s prediction: 1-2
