Match Prediction: Manchester City away

Since Darius Vassell left Villa for City he's scored five goals in five games. Those five goals represent a third of his total goals scored for Manchester City; it goes to show that it was a good decision to let him leave but also that he can be a threat.

While Vassell does represent a threat for me the main threat to victory for Aston Villa this weekend is Aston Villa. They've got to stay focused for 90 minutes and create chances. If the midfield can create chances this weekend I'm convinced we'll see some goals.

There are no new injury worries for Martin O'Neill ahead of the trip to Manchester this weekend which could mean another spell on the sidelines for the likes of Smiler, Ridge, Davis and Cahill with the manager opting to fill his bench with attacking players and the versatile Hughes.

I wasn't entirely pleased that the manager opted to throw John Carew straight into the starting line-up against Portsmouth as the team had done so well in the match against Middlesbrough but the manager knows best and I'm hoping as this is his second game back we start to see a more effective Carew.

Which leads me onto my prediction which really does focus around John Carew. I think he'll make an impact in this game as City are not scoring as many as they are letting in at home and I believe he chances will come to him.

It's an Aston Villa away win at 11/5 and if you add onto that Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool you'll get 25/1; not a bad bet so I've put down my ?20. Get on it wherever you can I say.