League leaders Manchester City could become only the eighth English side to win their opening eight top-flight games in a season, and the first since Liverpool did so in 2019.

However, they have lost their past three Premier League visits to Aston Villa, who also spoiled Pep Guardiola's City farewell with victory at the Etihad in May.

"Here's to you, Unai Emery, the Villa loves you more than you will know." The popular terrace chant will be especially heartfelt on Saturday as it marks the four-year anniversary of the Spanish manager's transformative appointment.

Emery is feted at Villa Park, and for good reason. Aston Villa were 16th, one point above the relegation zone, when he officially took charge a week after his unveiling. They rallied to qualify for Europe that season, have twice come fourth in his three full campaigns and won 115 of 208 games – including last season's Europa League final to end a 30-year wait for a major trophy.

The serenading of Emery by Villa's supporters will also reflect their desperation for him to stay amid renewed links with Manchester United this week. For his part, Emery has been invigorated by the challenge of rebuilding Villa's team this season, and also recognises that the level of control he enjoys at the club is unlikely to be granted elsewhere.

Nonetheless, it's clear why a fallen giant like United might be interested; Emery's 51.4% Premier League win percentage over the past four years puts him in elite company.

Emery's immediate concern will be to try to mastermind Villa's first home league win of the season. Despite impressive back-to-back Champions League triumphs at Villa Park, Emery's side have only earned one point from their opening three top-flight fixtures at the ground.

The only two previous teams to win their first seven games of the season since the formation of the Premier League both went on to take the title: Chelsea in 2005-06 and Liverpool in 2019-20.

Regardless of whether any success Manchester City enjoy this season ultimately counts for anything, their form certainly hasn't been adversely affected by the club being found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules.

They are one of only seven top-flight teams in Uefa's 55 member nations with a perfect league record so far this season.

"The mood is very good," said Enzo Maresca, who has become the first manager to win his first seven Premier League games in charge of a team. "We are happy with our start but we are hungry for more wins."

The goals have also been flowing for City, with 23 scored in the past six games – including five against AEK Athens on Tuesday in the absence of Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian has recovered from a foot injury and is vying to score in seven successive Premier League appearances for only the second time, and first since 2022 when Villa were among City's opponents. He has, however, since gone four games without a goal against them.