Watkins must maintain form to keep Villa's top-four tilt on track

Ollie Watkins is about to undergo a major test of his credentials. 

The Aston Villa striker, 27, has been in deadly form this season, scoring 13 goals and assisting another eight from 21 appearances. 

He now faces back-to-back games against Manchester City and Arsenal over the next week.

Ahead of tonight's clash with the reigning Premier League champions, we take a look at Watkins' stunning campaign so far and whether he can maintain his standards. 

Hot streak

Watkins has scored in each of his last three Premier League games, which has helped Unai Emery's men rise to fourth in the table.

His top-flight season started slowly, with the forward failing to find the net in any of his first five games.

Over the last nine games Watkins has come to life, scoring all eight of his league goals.

A challenge for the marksman is to maintain the standards he is setting and prove he can be consistent throughout a season, rather than in streaks. 

In 2022-23, he only scored three times from his first 18 games, before then going on a scintillating run of form which saw him net 11 goals from just 12 matches. 

That was followed by only one goal from his last seven games of the season. Villa need Watkins to continue to deliver more regularly this time round.

Best player

Midfielder Douglas Luiz has faith in Watkins to perform against City and the Gunners, having hailed him as Villa's best player. 

The Brazilian gave this verdict after the former Brentford man scored a last-gasp equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Luiz said: "He is so important for us. He's a good guy and he deserves this.

"We're very happy for him, he's deserved his moment and he saved us on Sunday.

"He's more confident and I think now, at the moment, he is the best player in the squad.

"He scores goals, makes assists and everyone is so happy for him.

"I know Emi's [Martinez] saves are so important too but Ollie is the only one who can score a goal in the last minute, or create one. That is my opinion.

"We are so excited for these two games. They are important for us. We are near the top of the table and need to focus this week and try to win both games. 

"We are so confident at home and we believe we can win."

Home comforts

Villa and Watkins certainly have reason to be confident on home turf. 

Emery's team have won all six of their Premier League games at Villa Park this season, with Watkins scoring five times. 

City represent a big step up in class from the opponents they have faced but with Pep Guardiola's team having conceded 10 goals in their last four games, they are beatable. 

If Villa can claim points from the next two matches, it will be a big indicator that they are a serious contender for Champions League qualification. 

With that prize at stake for his club and a place at Euro 2024 up for grabs with England, Watkins is certainly not short of motivation when it comes to maintaining his standards.