Aston Villa: 4 Adjustments to Make Ahead of the Manchester City Clash

Aston Villa's perilous stretch of games against last season's league leaders continued on Saturday when Paul Lambert's team were resoundingly defeated by a flawless Chelsea side. The Blues were in imperious form, but Villa offered virtually no threat going forward and conceded three goals for a second consecutive match.

The Villans' upcoming game against Manchester City will offer little respite, although City have been inconsistent so far this season. In any case, the midlands club have a tough task ahead of them if they want to rebound from their losing streak.

Rather than lament their misfortune at drawing such a challenging fixture list, Villa must learn from their defeats and make critical changes to give themselves the best possible chance of upsetting Manuel Pellegrini's team for a second straight year. 

Here are four adjustments for Villa to make ahead of Saturday's meeting with Manchester City. 

Do Not Rush Christian Benteke Back to the Starting Lineup

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One of the key stories ahead of Villa's clash with City this week is the potential return of star man Christian Benteke from his long spell on the sideline. Benteke played 60 minutes and scored for Villa's U21 team against Bolton on Monday, his first action since the start of April. 

According to The Guardian, Lambert was encouraged by the striker's display, and he revealed that Benteke is in contention to make his Premier League debut for the season against the defending champions.

As exciting as the imminent return of Benteke is, Lambert must be cautious and ensure that he does not rush the Belgian back too soon. Having just returned to the pitch, starting Benteke seems far too risky and could result in a setback.

If he performs well in training, then a substitute cameo could be in order. However, Lambert must not let the fear of suffering a third consecutive loss justify placing too much pressure on Benteke to feature before the striker is ready.

Offer Support for Gabriel Agbonlahor

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With Benteke's full return unlikely, Gabriel Agbonlahor will be entrusted to continue to lead the line for Villa. The long-time Villan has had a decent start to the season, but he has become an increasingly isolated figure up front.

Against both Arsenal and Chelsea, Agbonlahor would receive the ball with no support or passing options. Andi Weimann and Kieran Richardson have been playing behind the ball far too often, leaving Villa's attacks stunted.

Agbonlahor has seen little of the ball and has become visibly more frustrated by the lack of support he receives. As Villa's vice-captain, the forward's attitude and work rate need to improve so that he may lead by example, but his teammates must shoulder the blame as well.

Richardson or Weimann must make way for a player who will be more adventurous with the ball at his feet and who can comfortably take up a more advanced position. In addition, the remainder of Villa's midfield must offer more support to their striker. 

Give Jack Grealish a Chance to Star

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Speaking of making adjustments to Villa's attack, it may be time to give Jack Grealish his first start for the club. Grealish has been limited so far this season to appearances off the bench, but Villa's first team needs shaking up. Giving the young winger a full debut would do just that.

Slotting in to replace Richardson in the starting XI, Grealish could have a great impact as the link between Villa's central midfield trio and Agbonlahor. Richardson has worked hard for the team, but he has failed to assert himself and is the most easily replaceable of the regular players.

Villa sorely need another player to confidently challenge defenders, and the young Irishman fits the mould. With a great first touch, an intrepid attitude and a penchant for leaving defenders fooled, Grealish has the potential to enliven Villa's attack both against City and in the long run. 

Starting Grealish will also give a boost to the home crowd, who will be overjoyed to see their academy's finest product test his mettle against some of the Premier League's best. 

Keep Alan Hutton from Bombing Forward Too Often

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The final adaptation that Lambert must make is to emphasize a more conservative role for right-back Alan Hutton. Hutton's aggressiveness is his defining quality, but he must show restraint against a City team with punishing ability from the flanks.

Whether it is David Silva, Aleksandar Kolarov or James Milner who lines up on City's left flank, Villa will have their work cut out for them to contain City from crafting chances on the wing. Hutton must show more composure than he did against Arsenal and Chelsea to address this.

In those matches, Hutton's bombastic nature was partially responsible for Villa's concession of six goals in two matches. He is hardly the sole reason for those losses, but he must be more disciplined against a City team that will invite him into poor challenges and risky advances up the pitch.