We’re in for a treat tonight in Birmingham. Rejuvenated Aston Villa host the reigning champions Manchester City – with former Villains’ captain Jack Grealish wearing his new colours. There will be many talking points – but above all, there should be a cracking match of football.Today, Jack Grealish could return to Villa Park for the first time in the colours of an opposition team.Everybody at the Club welcomes you back Jack and thank you for the memories. UTV!— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 1, 2021 Grealish became the most expensive British player when City paid $129.25 million to secure his transfer amid much fanfare. Villa fans were divided: while some accepted that their captain wanted to better himself by playing at a more ambitious club surrounded by better players, the most couldn’t help but feel betrayed. Not even Jack’s persistent declarations of love for his boyhood club couldn’t help his cause. Villa fans have had to get adjusted not seeing their long-serving midfielder on the team but Grealish himself has had to do even more adjusting in the past four months.”I’ve found it a lot more difficult than I thought I would, adapting to a different manager and team-mates. At first, I thought I’d have more of the ball, get more assists and goals but it doesn’t work like that at all. I’ve had nowhere near as much of the ball as I used to get at Villa.”Rafa Benitez – once conquering Europe with Liverpool, now trying to revive Everton against LiverpoolVilla have changed in the meantime too. Now there will be a different, yet familiar face in the home dugout. Steven Gerrard has gotten off to an encouraging start in his first managerial role in the Premier League and will be eager to test himself and his side against world-class opposition.”The players have to take belief and confidence not just from the results but the performances that they’ve given. You can see quite clearly that they’re listening and trying to do what we’re asking of them. We’re also aware that the games are coming thick and fast. The game against Manchester City will be a real big acid test for us. It’s one that we want to give a real good, positive account of ourselves in.”Aston Villa made sure to welcome their old captain with a heartfelt story on the club’s official website although there is a possibility that Jack wouldn’t even feature for Pep Guardiola’s side. Either way, emotions will be running high tonight!PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 14TuesdayNewcastle – Norwich 1-1 (0-0)/Wilson 61 pen – Pukki 79/Leeds – Crystal Palace 1-0 (0-0)/Raphina 90+3 pen/Wednesday22:30: (10.0) Watford (4.90) Chelsea (1.38)22:30: (1.90) Wolverhampton (3.50) Burnley (4.70)22:30: (1.95) West Ham (3.50) Brighton (4.40)22:30: (2.60) Southampton (3.35) Leicester (2.90)23:15: (8.50) Everton (4.70) Liverpool (1.43)23:15: (9.00) Aston Villa (4.90) Man.City (1.40)Thursday22:30: (1.65) Tottenham (3.80) Brentford (6.25)23:15: (2.10) Man.Utd. (3.50) Arsenal (3.80)***odds are subject to change
