Manchester City will face Aston Villa on the closing matchday of the Premier League campaign. They would intend to win their 4th Premier League title in 5 years in front of their home support. The defending champions will host Steven Gerrard-led Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium.
On the other hand, even a draw can be a huge result as this might enable Gerrard’s former club to snatch the title away. However, it won’t come easy. This is the shot at a title for Pep Guardiola and his side this season. They will go all guns blazing to secure their second consecutive domestic league.
At the moment, only a point separates both Man City(90) and Liverpool(89). The Cityzens can take comfort knowing their team successfully defended close title challenges with Liverpool in the past. However, there will be no margin for error for the blue side of Manchester and no room for overconfidence before the final whistle. They are currently enjoying a 12 match unbeaten streak in the league and are favourites to win the match and eventually, the league.
As for Aston Villa, they can still finish in the top half of the table. Having said that, a host of results should go their way. They are currently in the 14th position with 45 points in 37 games. There’s nothing much to play for from their perspective but a victory would be much welcomed by Gerrard. The Reds from Merseyside will hope for their legend Gerrard and former player Philippe Coutinho to step up their game and a miracle to happen. But on paper, Man City are much stronger and deserves to win the league for their sheer consistency.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa: Team News
For Man City, Guardiola confirmed that Kyle Walker and John Stones have returned to training. Fernandinho might be involved in the sky blue shirt for the last time in some capacity.
As for Villa, Gerrard rested ex-Liverpool duo Danny Ings and Philippe Coutinho against Burnley. Both are sure to start.
Man City Predicted Lineup: Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Sterling, Jesus, Foden
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup: Martinez; Cash, Chambers, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Coutinho; Watkins, Ings
Our Prediction
Man City are easily the better team on paper but it’s useless for 90 minutes on the pitch. Things can get nervy but we can expect Pep Guardiola’s side to carry on with the unreal quality they possess and beat Villa easily.
Score Prediction: Man City 3-1 Aston Villa
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