Last updated on April 22, 2025
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Aston Villa has not won at Etihad stadium since 2007.
Image credit: Premier League
Date: April 22, 2025 Time: 8 PM (UK) Venue: Etihad Stadium Competition: Premier League – Gameweek 34
As the race for Champions League qualification intensifies, Manchester City host Aston Villa in what promises to be a critical Premier League encounter.
Eith five Champions League spots up for grabs this season, both sides are eyeing a crucial win to bolster their top-four hopes.
Current Form and Context
Manchester City have picked up momentum just in time, taking 10 points from their last four league games and keeping three clean sheets along the way.
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Their latest 2-0 victory at Everton, sealed by late goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic, has brought them within touching distance of third-placed Newcastle United.
Villa, meanwhile, delivered a huge statement by thrashing Newcastle 4-1, extending their run to five straight league wins.
Unai Emery’s team is in red-hot form and just a single point behind City. They arrive at the Etihad brimming with confidence.
Head-to-Head and Historic Stats
City boast an intimidating home record against Villa, winning 14 straight Premier League meetings at the Etihad — the second-longest run against a single opponent in league history.
Villa haven’t won at the Etihad since 2007, back when Stuart Pearce was in charge of City.
However, Villa did beat City 2-1 in the reverse fixture this season, and a win here would give them a rare league double over the reigning champions — something they haven’t achieved since the 1962-63 season.
Team News and Injuries
Manchester City:
- Injured: Rodri, Nathan Ake (season likely over), Ederson (groin), Haaland and Stones (expected back in May)
- Returning: Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji (both featured on the bench at Everton)
- Milestone: Mateo Kovacic is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance
Possible Starting XI:
Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, De Bruyne; McAtee, Foden, Doku; Marmoush
Aston Villa:
- Injured: Pau Torres (minor issue, uncertain)
- Returning: Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey (back in training), Marcus Rashford (could start)
- Form Man: Ollie Watkins, now joint top Premier League scorer in Villa history with 74 goals, struck twice against the woodwork last match
Possible Starting XI:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Rashford; Watkins
Key Stats
- City’s Home Defensive Struggles: 21 goals conceded at the Etihad this season – their joint-worst record since 2003-04.
- Villa on the Road: Three straight away wins in the Premier League without conceding — a historic run they’ll look to extend.
- Villa vs. Big Clubs (Away): Just one point earned from five matches against other top-six sides on the road this season.
Prediction
Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa
City’s experience and fortress-like history against Villa at home might just give them the edge in what should be a thrilling contest.
Villa’s away form is impressive, but their record against top clubs away suggests this may be a step too far.
