No side has had fewer shots on target than Aston Villa in the Premier League this season (22), with their average of 3.1 per game their second-lowest on record since 2003/04 in a campaign, after 2015/16 when they finished bottom.
Only four sides have scored fewer goals than Emery’s side in the first seven games, but Villa started incredibly slowly with no goals in their first three games.
They remain low down across all attacking metrics when compared to the rest of the league, with their shot accuracy the third worst in the division while only three sides have created fewer Opta-defined big chances than their 12.
They have shown they play to the final whistle though, with two of their seven goals coming in the last 15 minutes of games.
As for build-up play, they are not particularly attached to the ball. Their average of 409 passes per match places them firmly mid-table, while City are the most ball-hungry side with 637 passes a game.
Don’t expect many crosses into the box either – no side has sent in fewer in open-play than their 51 so far.
Emery returns the compliment 💬
"I think the key there is the coach. Enzo Maresca is doing a fantastic job. He worked with [Pep] Guardiola. He worked in Leicester, successful. In Chelsea, successful.
"And now he knows Manchester City players, culture, club, and he is following the same way they did before with Guardiola. I think this is the key.
"They are favourite with Arsenal. They are so strong, so competitive in everything. The identity is clear. So we dream sometimes to be close to them. They have 21 points, we have eight. Game seven, the difference is so big."
Maresca on his opposite number today 💬
“I have huge respect for Unai,” he said.
“He has done well in all of his clubs he has been and he is fantastic manager.
“They are a very good team. You can recognise the team and you can see clearly what they want.
“They are very intense off the ball. They are in a good mood, they are winning games and I’m sure 100% that it will be a tough game.”
“Rayan in this moment is one of the best players in Europe when he is in the right position,” he said.
“When we are able to find him between the lines, he is always dangerous. The goal the other night and at Liverpool are quite similar.
“If we are able to keep him there and find him, he is one of the best players. He loves the ball and to move a lot so a lot of the time he is out of that position.
“In terms of numbers, goals and assists, he’s doing fantastic. In the right position, he is so important.
“This is something he needs to keep, he loves the ball and I’m not going to remove from his game. We need to find the right balance.”
Skiliman!
Ndiaye back in the lineup today. He's had a fine start to life at City for me. Are you enjoying his work so far?
It's very odd seeing one end of the ground looking like a construction site.
It can get very noisy at Villa Park so it will be interesting to see how that is affected with the sound dissipating at one end. Lunchtime kick-offs can be quieter too but we'll have to wait and see.
Haaland's return...
Club journalist Neil Leigh is delighted to see the No.9 back.
Erling Haaland makes a welcome return to the starting line-up seeking to further extend another magnificent start to the season.
The Norwegian has already registered 12 goals across all competitions this term, including eight in the Premier League.
As well as having the most goals, Haaland has had the most shots (27) and shots on target (13) of any player in the Premier League this season.
Meanwhile he ranks for second for big chances (12) and touches in the opposition box (40).
And having being afforded the luxury of a watching brief from the bench in that midweek win over AEK, Erling will hopefully be fully rested and refreshed for what promises to be a high-quality affair.