Manchester City look to extend their perfect Premier League record when travelling to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
Enzo Maresca's men are seven from seven to start the season, and only the potential sanctions placed upon them are preventing them from being favourites to win the Premier League.
There's still so much uncertainty about what any given result means for City week to week, but things are looking more settled for their opponents, who've won five of their last six in all competitions.
Given Villa's good form and recent history against their opponents, Steve Freeth told the Football Betting Club why he's happy to oppose City on Saturday lunchtime.
Aston Villa v Manchester City Prediction & Tips
Best Bet: Aston Villa or Draw @ 6/5
Steve said: "Historically over the last three years, [City] have struggled at Villa Park against Unai Emery, and we know Unai will have a plan for them. That's why I think Manchester City are quite opposable this week at odds-on.
"The positives for City are that it's a 12:30 kick-off—the atmosphere won't be as good as it normally is at Villa Park because there are only three sides to it—and they've had an extra day's rest over Villa.
"I look at Aston Villa now, after that slow start, a bit like last season, they are starting to click. The new signings are really showing signs of gelling. Nicolas Jackson—I scoffed when Villa signed him, thinking, "What is Unai doing signing him?" But of course, he worked with him at Villarreal and he looks like a new player.
"He's looked absolutely full of confidence, and he's not on his own; there are a number of players, Suzuki in goal is so comfortable on the ball, Lindelof is looking like the experienced old head in front of him, and they're looking a good side now.
"You look at Manchester City: they've conceded only one goal on their travels so far, and that was against Crystal Palace (a Donnarumma own goal). When they went to Old Trafford, they didn't concede, okay Manchester United aren't that good in my opinion, which is probably why. Against Liverpool at Anfield, it was quite level until Ryan Gravenberch got sent off. Conceding four goals against PSG is not a disgrace; two against Ipswich and one against AEK Athens are slight concerns.
"For me, Aston Villa are the best bet for the double chance. You get the draw running for you as well as an Aston Villa win, following on from them doing the double over them last season. So at odds-against, that's the play for me: Aston Villa on the double chance against Manchester City.
Key Match Stats
Manchester City have taken one point from their last four trips to Villa Park
Aston Villa have scored 18 goals in their last six games
Manchester City have conceded one goal in their first three Premier League away games
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