Kompany absence not enough to hinder Man City chances at Aston Villa

Manchester City travel to Aston Villa as strong 1/2 favourites for victory, even in the absence of captain Vincent Kompany.

They should still be expected to justify those odds though, and if there was a game City would choose central defender Kompany to be unavailable for, it may very well be this trip to Villa.

That is in light of the hosts possessing the joint-worst Premier League attacking record this term, whilst only bottom club QPR have scored less goals on their own patch.

Meanwhile, City have proven they can cope without their skipper by recording three clean sheets in the past five games that he has sat out.

Of further detriment to 5/1 Villa’s chances too, is the fact that they themselves could be without their captain, as Ron Vlaar is due to undergo a late fitness test.

The dominant Dutchman missed Villa’s defeat to Arsenal with a calf problem, but had led Villa to a draw and victory in their two outings previous to that tie.

And at the other end of the pitch for the Villains, Darren Bent is doubtful with a foot injury, although a place on the bench is probably the best the striker can hope for even if he is passed fit.

Goalkeeper Shay Given is back from a groin problem, but like Bent, his efforts to force his way back into the starting 11 are expected to prove futile.

Gareth Barry would appear to have a better chance of doing so for the visitors, after sitting out the Citizens’ past two games in all competitions with an ankle injury.

Barry has played against his former employers seven times in the Premier League since joining City, and having played in five Sky Blues wins in that time, Roberto Mancini will be tempted to throw him straight back into his starting line-up.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.