Why late Johan Manzambi fitness call could make or break Aston Villa result vs Man City
Johan Manzambi could be a game-changer for Aston Villa against Manchester City on Saturday.
The Switzerland international missed the midweek Champions League game against Viking, and doubts have emerged about his fitness to face the Sky Blues.
Enzo Maresca's team have been on a tear in the Premier League, with seven wins in seven.
Manzambi has arguably been Villa's best player in recent weeks, scoring and creating chances.
While the Villains have decent options on the bench to replace the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, he still gives them their best chance of beating Man City.
Looking at the Swiss star's performances, there's no doubt Unai Emery will be crossing his fingers about the player's fitness.
What has Unai Emery said about Johan Manzambi injury?
Manzambi should be back in Villa's starting lineup, but it depends on his fitness.
If the Villains hope to be the first team to take points away from the Citizens, they will surely need the Switzerland international's quality up top.
Manzambi was instrumental in the Lions' 1-0 win against Newcastle United, scoring one goal, and two of his 18 successful passes were key passes, according to Sofascore.
In the midfielder's 72 minutes on the pitch before he was taken off with an injury, he made the most of his possession, recording 35 touches and a total progression of 92.9 metres.
The Swiss youngster looks to make things happen on the ball, completing two dribbles at St James' Park and he also contributed defensively.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Emery said: "It's not a big injury, but in case he doesn't feel 100 per cent comfortable, training firstly... The plan is, can you run? Can you touch the ball? This is the process."
Why Johan Manzambi could be game-changer for Aston Villa vs Man City
Man City have scored 19 goals in the Premier League this season and have been involved in high-scoring games in recent weeks.
What the Villains can exploit is the Citizens' shaky defence, and Manzambi could be perfect for it given his impact in the final third.
Speaking about the midfielder earlier in the summer, FC Basel legend Fabian Frei said, "Manzambi will be the next Swiss superstar."
Maresca's team have conceded seven goals in the last three matches in all competitions.
The former Freiburg star's availability for the upcoming fixture at Villa Park, which is scheduled to kick off at 12:30pm, could make or break Emery's hopes of beating Man City.