Aston Villa Manchester City Duran
Jhon Duran could start for Aston Villa v Manchester City (credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Wed 18 December 2024 18:10, UK
Jhon Duran must target Ruben Dias when Aston Villa host Manchester City after what he did in the derby defeat to Manchester United.
Pep Guarliola’s side will turn up in B6 on Saturday (21 December) looking to secure just their second win in 11 games in all competitions.
Last time out, City lost 2-1 against Manchester United thanks to two late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo at the Etihad.
Unai Emery must now take advantage of the Cityzens’ frailties and utilise Duran’s strengths against a struggling defence at Villa Park.
Jhon Duran must target Ruben Dias for Aston Villa v Manchester City
The Colombian has represented a problem for defenders in the Premier League and in Europe, netting three goals in his last three appearances.
Against Nottingham Forest, the 21-year-old was on top form as he opened the scoring with his third shot of the day and also had six touches in the opposition penalty area [FotMob].
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The former Chicago Fire ace also contributed with four defensive actions and won two duels, causing plenty of problems for defenders.
Emery has to trust him now to lead the line against Manchester City and allow him to target Dias after he struggled in the Manchester derby.
The Portugal international didn’t complete a tackle against United and only contributed with just three defensive actions throughout the 90 minutes.
Jhon Duran
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran (credit: Imago)
Ruben Amorim’s side were also able to get the better of the 27-year-old as he lost three duels, winning just 25 per cent of his aerial attempts.
If Duran can get at the centre-back and make life as difficult as possible for him at Villa Park, it is possible that the Villans can secure yet another home win against the Premier League champions.
In other Aston Villa news, a Besiktas chief has named Diego Carlos and another player Villa want to get rid of.
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