Gerrard must unleash AVFC's "positive" £19.8m-rated gem today, he's a secret weapon - opinion

Aston Villa will conclude their 2021/22 Premier League season with a trip to Manchester City this afternoon, with Pep Guardiola’s side still yet to clinch the title.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard, who had an illustrious career with Liverpool, could do his former side a major favour at the Etihad with the Reds needing to beat Wolves and hope City drop points.

Another former Liverpool player who could do his former employers a favour is Danny Ings, with the Villa striker deserving of a return to the starting lineup after missing out against Burnley on Thursday night.

The 29-year-old started from the bench against the Clarets three days ago and could be set for a return to the team today with Gerrard needing to manage his squad.

With two goals in his last four starts, the striker is one of Villa’s in-form players and could prove the difference in Manchester.

There is little doubt that the hosts will keep most of the possession and create more chances which means that whilst trying to stay compact at the back, the West Midlands outfit’s best chance of scoring will come on the counterattack.

Although he isn’t blessed with pace, Ings’ finishing is one of the Englishman’s best traits and Guardiola will certainly be aware of the danger his side could face if caught out on the break.

Described as “positive” by former manager Jurgen Klopp, the £19.8m-rated striker has struggled to make an impact at times in the West Midlands, scoring seven goals in 29 league appearances.

For context, the last two seasons saw Ings score 13 and 25 goals respectively for Southampton. However, six assists alongside certainly boost his claim to be a regular starter next term.

Despite it being a mixed first season in claret and blue for Ings, the