New Delhi: Matchday 35 is set to kick off with defending champions Manchester City hosting Wolves at the Etihad. The two teams are currently separated by just one point in the Premier League table, with City having one more. With only a limited number of clubs being granted a berth in Europe’s top-tier competition, both teams needed to maintain their form heading into the final stretch with five games remaining.
This past weekend, City closed the gap on third-placed Newcastle United by winning 2-0 away to Everton. Villa also did Pep Guardiola’s men a favour as they beat the Magpies in their last match. City have collected 10 points from their last four fixtures, as their defence has proved to be a key factor in their recent upsurge in form.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have registered back-to-back wins against Manchester City at home, but they have failed in their past 14 Premier League visits that they have made to the Etihad. Their last win in an away game against City came in 2007, winning by a scoreline of 2-0. The Villans will enter the match in better shape on the back of a powerful 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle United at Villa Park. They lost to PSG in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, which was the only game the Villans failed to win across their last 11 in a sensational run.
A big one on the road — IT’S MATCHDAY! 🛣️ pic.twitter.com/OH4Q2LenSE
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 22, 2025
Team news
Manchester City have a few key absences heading into this clash. Mateo Kovacic is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance and could earn a start after scoring a crucial goal at Goodison Park. Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji were both on the bench against Everton and may return to the starting XI. However, Ederson missed that game with a groin issue and remains sidelined. Rodri and Nathan Ake are not expected to feature again this season, while Erling Haaland and John Stones will also be unavailable until May at the earliest.
On the other hand, Aston Villa are in a relatively better position with injuries. Pau Torres was left out of the weekend squad due to a minor issue and remains the only doubt. Leon Bailey and Ross Barkley have recovered from their knocks and are back in contention. Ollie Watkins, who scored and hit the woodwork twice last time out, will lead the line once again.
Head-to-Head
The clash at the Etihad Stadium will mark another chapter in the rivalry between Manchester City and Aston Villa. City have dominated this fixture at home, winning each of their last 14 Premier League meetings against Villa. Remarkably, they have scored at least twice in 13 of those victories and have only trailed in two of them. Villa, however, have shown signs of improvement recently, winning two of the last three league encounters, matching their win tally from the previous 23 meetings.
This season, Manchester City have conceded 21 goals at home in the Premier League, their highest total in a single campaign since the 2015-16 season, when they also allowed 21 goals. On the other hand, Aston Villa are enjoying a strong run on the road, winning their last three away league games while keeping a clean sheet in all of them. If they manage another shutout victory, it would be the first time in their Premier League history that Villa have won four consecutive away matches without conceding a goal.
Predicted lineup
Man City: Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, De Bruyne; McAtee, Foden, Doku; Marmoush
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Rashford; Watkins
When, where, and how to watch Man City vs Aston Villa in India?
As Man City and Aston Villa are all set to lock horns at Etihad Stadium, fans can enjoy the action on television on the Star Sports network. Those who prefer to stream can catch the games live on Disney+ Hotstar.
Match prediction
The defending champions are not looking at their very best, but are picking up results on a regular basis against clubs that have been in good form recently, and they will look to repeat the feat against Villa tonight at Etihad. Villa have flattered to deceive against City this season and could fall short again.
Final Scoreline: Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa
All you need to know about the Manchester City and Aston Villa Premier League clash as they are fighting for the Champions League qualification. But before the action kicks off, let’s examine which team has the upper hand over the other. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
