The in-form City midfielder is hoping to face his former employers as the Blues continue to steadily climb back up the Premier League table following a run of three winless matches prior to the victory at Hull.
The champions surprisingly lost 3-2 at Villa Park last season and Milner is expecting another tough afternoon this Saturday.
“I’ve been very impressed with their form,” said Milner. “They’ve had a great start to the season and it’s been good to see them up near the top and hopefully they can continue to do well.
“I loved every minute of my time with Villa. The fans were great to me and we were unfortunate not to win a trophy and get into the Champions League. I can’t thank them enough for what they did for me.”
Milner admitted he’s enjoyed the campaign so far and he is hoping to continue his run of first-team action this weekend and for as long as possible.
“I didn’t play too many games at the start of the campaign, but now I’ve played a few in a row,” he said.
It’s down to me as well - you can’t expect to play if you’re not playing well. Hopefully I can contribute to the team and help them win trophies
......James Milner
“That’s what’s great this club. You know you have to play well to stay in the team as we’ve at least two top players in each position. If you can’t improve playing for Manchester City then you are going to struggle anywhere.
“The team comes first. You have your favourite position and you want to play there but you go wherever the manager asks you to go.
“He wants the players to have freedom and create things. He wants us to go forward and play an exciting brand of football.”
Milner says City are trying to guard against the title hangover the team appeared to have during 2012/13.
The then defending champions failed to fire on all cylinders that year, eventually losing the title by 11 points to Manchester United.
“It’s harder second time around for whatever reason - but we’ll be going all out to do it again and that is on all four fronts.
“We’re in every competition to win it. Last year we were in the hunt for everything and we want to get to that stage again where we are in the hunt for all four trophies.”
