Aston Villa face Manchester City at Villa Park in the Premier League on Wednesday night. The first full set of midweek league fixtures in the 2023/24 season takes place, and this will be a chance for Unai Emery's side to really show they mean business in their pursuit of Champions League football.
Villa are currently fourth in the league standings and are just a place and point behind the reigning champions. Pep Guardiola's side have been viewed as invincible at times, but their results have been lacking as of late and they failed to beat Spurs, despite twice taking the lead. Villa go into the game on a respectable run of form, and a win on Wednesday could move them above them, and really show that they are serious about securing Champions League football. It won't be easy however, and their record against the champions has been poor, with it being more than 10-years since they last recorded a win over them.
September 28, 2013 is the last time that Aston Villa recorded a victory over Manchester City. The 15 meetings that have taken place since have resulted in 13 wins for the Citizens and two draws, with the last positive result being in September 2022, a 1-1 draw.
Cast your mind back to Villa Park 10-years ago and the game was a five-goal thriller. Yaya Toure opened the scoring before Karim El Ahmadi equalised, but then Edin Dzeko restored their lead. Villa, managed by Paul Lambert at the time however needed just a two-goal salvo in two-minutes to turn the game on its head and defeat City. Leandro Bacuna who assisted El Ahmadi equalised in the 73rd minute, and then just two minutes later Andi Weimann scored with goalkeeper Brad Guzan earning an assist.
Here's what the 11 starting players and one sub for Villa are up to now from that last victory against City. Several players have retired, whilst others are still playing even despite being past the age of 30.
1. Brad Guzan
Guzan is still playing at the age of 39. He now plays for Atlanta United in the MLS, returning to the USA after nine-years in England with Villa, Hull City and Middlesbrough. He won the MLS Cup in 2018. Photo: Getty Images
2. Nathan Baker
Baker is now a mortgage advisor. He had to retire in August 2022 after suffering a head injury whilst playing for Bristol City in 2021. He was advised by medical professionals to retire, and now has a new career to fall back on.
3. Ron Vlaar
His last club was AZ Alkmaar, who he played for until 2021. He announced his retirement in February 2021, ending a 17-year playing career. He was in attendance when he watched his two former clubs meet in the Europa Conference League. Photo: Getty Images
4. Ciaran Clark
At 34-years-old he's now playing for Stoke City. He mainly played for Villa, but then went to Newcstle United in 2016. He signed a one-year deal with the Potters but has so far been limited to two appearances.