Given - No room for sentiment

Goalkeeper Given departed Ethiad Stadium for Villa last summer after losing the No.1 jersey to England counterpart Joe Hart.

The Republic of Ireland international left on amicable terms but insists friendships will take a backseat as Villa bid to overthrow the title-chasers this weekend.

Problems

Given told Sky Sports Radio: "I know most of the lads at Man City and I made some great friends there as well but the friends go out the window, as they say, when you play them.

"We've got our own problems to think about and we've got to try and get a win ourselves."

Villa have endured disappointing home form this season, something Given is keen to address - starting on Sunday.

"We've struggled in recent times, at home especially, so it's a big chance for us to put that right," he said.

"It's a huge test. Manchester City are going for the Premier League title so it's a big game for us, of course.

"We've got to try and get back to winning ways at Villa Park and it would be a great game to do that.

He added: "It's been frustrating because obviously you want to win in front of your home supporters and send them home happy.

"It's not ideal but we need to turn that around. There's no point in talking about it or feeling sorry for ourselves, we've got to be positive and try and get a result against a very tough team."

Given was not the only new arrival last summer, with Charles N'Zogbia joining from Wigan and Alan Hutton signing from Tottenham.

Bedding in

The keeper feels some players might still be adapting to life at Villa, adding: "Maybe some of the players are still bedding in, which the manager has brought in.

"Aston Villa is a big, big club and there's an expectation when you play at Villa Park, and maybe some players have been a bit overawed by that, I'm not sure.

"But you should rise to the challenge of playing in front of your own fans and enjoy the challenge and kick on from there, I think."