On january 2011
Record signing Darren Bent is poised to make his Aston Villa debut in the Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The England striker completed his move from Sunderland in midweek in a deal which could eventually be worth up to £24million.
Winger Ashley Young is available after missing the derby with Birmingham through suspension, but striker Emile Heskey will serve the final game of a three-match ban for his sending-off against Sunderland.
Defender Luke Young (hip) and midfielder Stephen Ireland (knee) remain on the injury list.
New signing Edin Dzeko is set for a recall as Manchester City look to continue their title push.
Dzeko was ineligible for Tuesday's FA Cup triumph over Leicester but seems likely to be handed an instant recall following an impressive debut against Wolves last weekend.
Kolo Toure, Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry are also in line to get their places back, which should help shore up an uncharacteristically leaky defence that has conceded seven times in the last three games.
Facts
Man City scored four goals from just six shots on target against Villa when they met in December.
Villa have only won two of their last 16 Premier League games against Man City.
John Carew has scored four goals in his six Premier League starts against Man City.
Villa have conceded five penalties in their last five Premier League games against the Citizens.
Man City have won six penalties this season, more than any other team.
John Carew has scored four goals in his last seven games against Man City.
Aston Villa have dropped the joint-most points from winning positions in the Premier League this season (14).
Manchester City have kept the join-most clean sheets along with Sunderland (11).
Since Carlos Tevez joined Manchester City, no player has scored more goals than the 37 the Argentinean has netted joint-most with Didier Drogba.
Just 5% of Man City’s goals have been scored from headers, the lowest percentage in the top flight.
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