Manchester City vs Aston Villa - Preview, prediction, team news and lineups | OneFootball

Aston Villa have enjoyed back-to-back home wins over Man City, but have lost each of their last 14 Premier League visits to the Etihad, dating back to a 2-0 victory there in 2007.

Manchester City vs Aston Villa Preview

Considering these two clubs kick off a mere one point apart in the Premier League table, this is a crucial clash in the race for Champions League qualification. Of the two, it is Manchester City who are one point better off, after their hard-fought 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday, requiring late goals from Nico O'Reilly and then Mateo Kovačić to snatch victory at Goodison.

That made it back-to-back Premier League wins for Pep Guardiola's team, the first time they've achieved that since January, aiming to win three successive league matches at the Etihad for the first time all season. The Sky Blues have a pretty kind run in, facing Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham after this, so a win here would represent a gigantic step towards a top five finish.

This though will not be easy, considering their visitors might just be the division's form team. On Saturday, Unai Emery's team smashed Newcastle 4-1 at Villa Park, with Ollie Watkins breaking the deadlock inside 35 seconds, while Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana were also on target. Aston Villa were languishing in mid-table not so long ago, but their recent resurgence has propelled them up to seventh, and another victory here could see them end the night as high as third.

After this, the Claret and Blue Army will face Fulham, Bournemouth, Tottenham and then Manchester United on the final day, and this trip to the Etihad could be a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup Final too, with both in action at Wembley next weekend. So now, can Villa win six successive matches in the top division for the first time since 1990?

Manchester City vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record

Manchester City Team News

Ederson, Nathan Aké, John Stones, Rodri and Erling Braut Håland remain sidelined, but Manuel Akanji did come off the bench for a brief cameo at Goodison, his first appearance since 11 February due to an adductor injury, which is a boost.

Nico O'Reilly will start a fifth successive match at left-back, while weekend scorer Mateo Kovačić as well as Phil Foden, Jérémy Doku and Jack Grealish are all hoping to return to the lineup.

Manchester City predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Nunes, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Gündoğan, Nico, Foden, De Bruyne Doku; Marmoush.

Manchester City Player to Watch vs Aston Villa

Kevin De Bruyne was back to his brilliant best during Man City's most-recent home game against Crystal Palace, although he's never scored in eight attempts against Aston Villa.

Aston Villa Team News

With fixtures coming thick and fast, Unai Emery has been rotating his team in recent weeks, making his lineups tough to predict. Pau Torres and Lucas Digne are likely to return in defence, with Amadou Onana also set to start in midfield, adding more defensive solidity.

Aston Villa Player to Watch vs Manchester City

Marcus Rashford has previously scored six times against Manchester City, only netting against Leicester and Liverpool with greater frequency, so can he add to his tally.

Manchester City vs Aston Villa Prediction

We find this mid-week Premier League match-up extremely tough to call, so we are sitting on the fence and forecating a draw that doesn't really help either: Manchester City 1-1 Aston Villa.

Manchester City vs Aston Villa FAQs - Premier League

How to watch Manchester City vs Aston Villa Premier League game on TV channel?

Manchester City vs Aston Villa Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;

How to watch Manchester City vs Aston Villa Premier League game on live streaming?

Manchester City vs Aston Villa Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;

What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Aston Villa in the Premier League?

Manchester City vs Aston Villa takes place on Tuesday 22 April 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).