City have now played 8 games, 5 of which have been against top teams. Six points from that is a reasonable return, IMO. Of the bottom 6 teams, Reading have played 4 top teams and none of the others more than three. Villa have only played two top teams and have still struggled. The next three games offer a real opportunity for City to move up the table. I know that there are no guarantees in this game, but it's good to have weathered such a rugged start to the season. There's also the number of players now back from injury who are trying to force their way into the team, Whittaker and Butterfield in particular. I think that Kane is now the only injury, assuming Bunn recovers from his knock as quickly as CH has suggested. Villa have been playing the Diamond so far, but I wonder if PL will stick to that knowing that Pilks and Benno are likely to start. It should be a great game, especially with City buoyed by the Arsenal win!
