Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be influential in Matchweek 31.
Player analysis - Moussa Diaby (Aston Villa)
Villa’s high tempo football and threat on the break helped them produce a dominant, well-deserved 1-0 victory against Manchester City in December.
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Repeating the trick at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday will be extremely tough, but their style of play should give them belief they are capable of pulling off a first league double against the defending champions since 1963.
Defensive resilience will be required – Unai Emery’s side did restrict City to only two shots in the reverse fixture – but they must also carry a genuine threat on the counter-attack.
In this respect they are well stocked, with in-form Diaby likely to be a pivotal figure when Villa launch those breakaways.
Making an impact
Across Diaby’s last four Premier League appearances (one start), he has produced three assists and a goal.
His wonderful far-post cross for Lucas Digne helped Villa earn a dramatic 3-2 success at Luton Town, and he used his pace to good effect against West Ham United when cutting the ball back for Nicolo Zaniolo to equalise at London Stadium (see below).
Last time out, in a 2-0 win at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, his powerful left-footed drive from outside the box opened the scoring, before he set up Ezri Konsa to seal the victory.
Diaby's goal v Wolves
You don't save those. 🚀
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 30, 2024
🔥 @MoussaDiaby_19 pic.twitter.com/olTlWmBg0W
The 24-year-old has been in and out of the starting XI in recent months, but most of his game time has come as a roving right-sided striker alongside Ollie Watkins.
Against City, Diaby could have a modified role.
The astute Emery may revert to a more cautious 4-4-1-1 formation, with Diaby as the main centre-forward in the absence of the injured Watkins.
Using his pace effectively
To hurt a City side who will dominate possession, Villa must spring speedy transitions and be ruthless in those situations.
Diaby’s power and pace will be a big asset.
Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo are the only two players in the division having played fewer minutes to have produced more shots or key passes from ball carries than the France international.
Diaby runs with the ball superbly, creating 28 goal opportunities from those carries so far, including his recent trio of assists.
Most Villa chances created from ball carries
| Chance-creating ball carries | Mins played | Ave. carry distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ollie Watkins | 34 | 2,613 | 11.85m |
| Moussa Diaby | 28 | 1,663 | 12.96m |
| Leon Bailey | 28 | 1,586 | 12.22m |
In moments where Villa need to quickly turn defence into attack, Diaby will be tremendously important.
He must be an outlet to relieve pressure that allows his defenders to get a vital rest, making himself available for a pass and holding the ball up.
At other times they will require him to drive upfield with the ball, or to make dangerous runs beyond the last man.
The Presser: Emery's views on facing Manchester City
Wherever Diaby is played, Pep Guardiola will know the visitors are adept at delivering searching passes played in behind the offside line, so the Villa star's presence will be a concern.
It may lead to the hosts playing in a slightly more prudent manner, ensuring they do not leave Diaby 1v1 at the back for potential breakaways.
Villa will hope Diaby continues his excellent recent performances if they are to beat City for a second time this season.
