Aston Villa head to the Etihad Stadium tonight to face Manchester City, and the timing couldn’t be better for Unai Emery’s side. Confidence is high, the form is strong, and there’s a knowing belief that this squad can go toe-to-toe with the very best.
Villa have lost just once in their last 11 matches in all competitions, and that consistency is starting to turn heads—not just among our own fans, but across the wider footballing world. We’re not just grinding out results; we’re playing proper football, controlling matches, and showing we belong in these high-pressure environments.
A massive part of that has been Youri Tielemans. The Belgian midfielder has hit a purple patch of form that’s been nothing short of brilliant. He’s dictating games, picking out passes most wouldn’t even spot, and showing the kind of composure that’s made him undroppable. His recent MOTM performance against Newcastle was just another reminder of the quality he brings to this team.
Then there’s Ollie Watkins. You could tell from his post-match interview that missing out on the PSG starting line-ups stung a bit. But instead of sulking, he’s responded in exactly the way you want a top player to respond—by delivering on the pitch. He looked razor sharp against Newcastle, full of movement, confidence, and that hunger to prove a point. You get the feeling he’s still got something to say this season, and what better place to say it than against City?
One of Villa’s biggest strengths right now is the depth of quality Emery has at his disposal. This is a world-class squad, and you can see how hungry every single player is to be part of this journey. Whether it’s players like Barkley, Onana, or Malen coming off the bench—or others stepping up when called upon—there’s quality everywhere you look.
Make no mistake, tonight will be a serious test. Manchester City at the Etihad is as tough as it gets. But Villa are not going there just to make up the numbers—we’re going there with purpose, form, and belief that we can win. UTV