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Manchester City will take on Aston Villa on Sunday, 24 May, as the curtain comes down on the 2025/26 Premier League season.
In terms of stakes, there is very little on the line for either club here. However, from an emotional point of view, City fans will be desperate to see Pep Guardiola sign off with a victory after confirming he has decided to leave the club this summer.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Man City vs Aston Villa key stats
- Man City have won each of their last four home matches in all competitions.
- Aston Villa have failed to win three of their last four matches immediately after a Europa League match.
- More than two goals have been scored in three of the last four matches between Man City and Aston Villa.
Man City vs Aston Villa preview: A day of celebrations at the Etihad
Man City vs Aston Villa — Tale of the Tape
| Man City | vs | Aston Villa |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Position | 4th |
| 78 | Points | 62 |
| 76 | Goals For | 54 |
| 33 | Goals Against | 48 |
| 16 | Clean Sheets | 9 |
| 2nd | Home / Away Rank | 10th |
Although Man City would love to still be competing for the Premier League title on Sunday afternoon, the fact that they have nothing to play for at least means that Pep Guardiola, John Stones and Bernardo Silva can all receive the send-off that they deserve.
All three men have a place in Man City's history secured, but it's Guardiola who will likely be at the centre of the festivities on Sunday. The Spaniard departs the Etihad Stadium with 20 trophies to his name in ten magical years.
In terms of the football on Sunday, Guardiola would love to see his team go out and put on one more show for the City supporters. Their performances at the Etihad have been largely impressive during the second half of the season, and they will feel that it's a title race they've lost on the road.
Guardiola has a clean bill of health for the match, so it will be interesting to see the XI he selects. Stones and Bernardo are both expected to start and come off to ovations in the second half, while he could also give a vote of confidence to Phil Foden after his omission from England's World Cup squad.
Aston Villa are unlikely to take the match any more seriously than Man City, either. Unai Emery's side had a parade on Thursday to celebrate their Europa League success a day earlier, and the former Arsenal boss has admitted that it will be difficult to pick a serious team this weekend.
While nothing is riding on the match for Villa in terms of Champions League qualification, the result here could have a huge impact on Bournemouth. If Villa lose on Sunday and Liverpool win, then the Villains would drop down to fifth place, which would open up sixth place as an extra Champions League spot.
That isn't necessarily any of Villa's concern, though, nor their fans who are making the trip up to Manchester merely to continue the celebrations from earlier in the week.
In terms of selection issues, Emi Martinez is unlikely to feature after he admitted to breaking his finger in the warm-up to the Europa League final. Meanwhile, Alysson is also a doubt, while Boubacar Kamara has been officially ruled out.
Man City vs Aston Villa form guide & betting tips
| Man City | vs | Aston Villa |
|---|---|---|
WDWWD |
Form | WLLDW |
| 11 | Points | 7 |
| 3rd | Form Table | 10th |
| 11 | Goals For | 11 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 10 |
DWWWD |
Form (All Comps) | LWDWW |
Whispers predicts: Man City 3-0 Aston Villa
Aston Villa's players are highly unlikely to be at anything close to peak phsyical condition on Sunday, while City's will be motivated to ensure Guardiola ends with a win. Man City to win to nil has been priced at 13/8.
More than two goals have been scored in each of the last seven matches played at the Etihad Stadium. Over 2.5 goals has been priced at 4/9.
Erling Haaland has scored 27 PL goals for Man City this season. Haaland is priced at 4/9 to score anytime on Sunday.
> Man City to win to nil at 13/8 | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 4/9 | Likelihood: Probable
> Haaland to score anytime at 4/9 | Likelihood: Probable