Aston Villa sweating on in-form star ahead of Manchester City clash

Villa are sweating on the fitness of Johan Manzambi ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Manchester City.

The midfielder missed Wednesday’s Champions League win over Viking as he recovers from the effects of a kick sustained in last weekend’s victory at Newcastle.

Manzambi, a £51million summer signing from Freiburg, has scored three goals in his last four appearances in all competitions.

Boss Unai Emery is unsure whether the Switzerland international would be recovered in time to face City but warned Villa must be ready to cope without him if required.

“We must be ready in case he is not (ready), to stay consistent collectively,” said the boss.

“In case he can play, fantastic, but if not, then we wait for the next match. I don’t know if we will be available.”

Villa host City looked to extend a run of three straight home wins over the eight-time Premier League champions.

Emery’s men are unbeaten in their last six matches since a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, though they are yet to win a home top flight match this season.

Winger Alysson is looking to push on after what he described as a “dream night” against Viking.

The 20-year-old star won the penalty from which Emi Buendia scored Villa’s second goal, before later forcing an own goal on his full home debut since joining from Gremio in January.

“It was a dream night for me, for my family,” he said. “I’m very proud, me and my team, my team-mates. The phrase is ‘dream night’. For me, it’s perfect.”