Preview: Manchester City vs. Aston Villa

Two wins from two home matches - that is what separates Manchester City from a second Premier League title in three seasons.

The 3-2 victory over Everton on Saturday evening has put Manuel Pellegrini's side, who take on Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, in pole position ahead of fellow challengers Liverpool and Chelsea.

Against Villa, Pellegrini may well be without Argentine striker Sergio Aguero because of a groin complaint, but playmaker David Silva returned as a substitute from an ankle injury against Everton and should start.

Elsewhere, Aleksandar Kolarov may replace Gael Clichy at left-back, with Fernandinho potentially coming in for Javi Garcia in the heart of the midfield.

As for visiting Villa, Paul Lambert's men secured their Premier League status for another season by overcoming Hull City at the weekend. As a result, they will have nothing more than pride to play for in Manchester.

Gabriel Agbonlahor is expected to miss the trip with a knee problem, while last term's leading goalscorer Christian Benteke is a long-term absentee.

Despite the fact that Villa defeated City earlier in the campaign, they have not won at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League since April 2007, when goals from John Carew and Shaun Maloney sealed a 2-0 victory.

Recent form

Man City: WLDWWW

Villa: LLLDLW

Possible starting lineups

Man City: Hart; Kolarov, Kompany, Demichelis, Zabaleta; Fernandinho, Toure, Milner, Silva, Nasri; Dzeko

Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Baker; Bertrand, Westwood, Delph, Albrighton; Bowery, Weimann

Sports Mole says: 2-0