*BUMPER* Villa v Man City Build Up

James Collins says Villa can lay down a marker tonight against Manchester City and show the rest of the Premiership that we are up amongst the top teams and fighting.

He says that with the money City have spent they'll be there or there abouts at the end of the season adding, 'This is a good marker for us. We want to be in and around that sort of position. We can match up against them and see where we are. To beat them would give us a big boost. They have spent a lot of money and are looking to kick on. But if we can get a result, it would show that we mean business and show what we want to do this season. Everyone at the club knows it's a big game. We want to get straight back on that winning streak.' Full report: www.avfc.co.uk

Collins also adds that Gabby Agbonlahor is on top form and thinks he can rip through the City defence tonight. 'He's on fire. Looking at him from afar, I knew he was a talented lad. But training with him and playing alongside him in the games, he's gone so high up in my estimations. It's incredible - he's a good lad off the field and on it, he's so strong and quick - a real handful. On his day, he's unstoppable and unplayable.' Full report: www.avfc.co.uk

Blimey, Collins has been busy! In another report he says he's hoping that fellow defender Richard Dunne can show Manchester City what they are missing tonight. He said: 'I am sure he's got a point to prove. He's looking forward to it. It's always a big thing playing against your former club. Richard was there a long time and has a lot of friends there. It's massive for him - playing in front of his own fans against his former club - he'll be looking to impress.'

Collins adds that he was shocked that City let the big man go but says their loss is our gain.

In what has become the James Collins show...!.... he also says that he is happy that that horrible geezer (the horrible geezer bit is me not him by the way!) Emmanuel 'I have no respect for football, other players heads or the fans who used to support me so I'm a scum bag and that is for sure' Adebayor is playing tonight:

'Obviously playing in the Premier League, you want to play against the best players and he's right up there so it will be good to test myself against him. He's a fantastic player and I want to find out what level I'm at - you can only do that by playing against the very best in the business. Hopefully he won't have a chance to celebrate like he did against Arsenal because we want to keep him quiet. I am just happy he's playing. It makes it a harder test but one I will enjoy.' Full quotes: www.avfc.co.uk

And of course there is a little more on the return of Gareth Barry with James Milner telling the Daily Mirror that he doesn't expect our former captain will get a decent reception tonight. 'It's up to the fans what sort of reception they give him. I just hope he gets a good one but it's down to each individual - each to their own. Football's all about opinions and everyone thinks differently about teams and players. I can only say what I feel: that he was a great player for Aston Villa and did a lot for the club. He played for the club for a very long time, served the club brilliantly. He's obviously a top quality player, who has come through the ranks and it's not only about what he's done, it's about the help he's given the other young players coming through who have had the chance to learn off him.' Adding, 'I certainly learned a lot off him and he gave great service to Aston Villa.'

City boss Mark Hughes is also hoping that Barry doesn't get abused tonight saying the Villa faithful should give him a 'hero's reception'. Ok, not sure it should go quite that far but as you know if you've been reading my piffle recently, I certainly don't think he should be booed! Hughes said: 'I hope he doesn't get a bad reception. He gave Villa exemplary service and maybe, instead of trying to take issue with players, fans should thank them for what they did for the club. Gareth said he wanted to play in the Champions League but we had other things to offer him.' Other things? Oh yes... ££££ ! lol

Full Man City coverage:

Interview With A Man City Fan Click Here
Video preview: Click Here
Our Man City preview by Murph: Click Here
Ticket info: Click Here
76% Say They'll Not Boo Barry Click Here
12 years 441 games and 52 goals later... Click HereMON relishing the challenge of playing City: Click Here
The Dressing Room (Manchester City) Click Here
Lawro is sitting on the fence with a 1-1 prediction! Click Here

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