This Aston Villa vs Man City preview centers on one of the Premier League’s most anticipated fixtures that will take place at Villa Park on Sunday as Aston Villa host 2nd place Manchester City. Unai Emery’s side has been in excellent league form, winning their last three domestic matches, including a superb 2-1 away victory at Tottenham. However, they were stunned midweek, suffering a 2-1 Europa League defeat to Go Ahead Eagles, a result that will have dented their confidence.
Manchester City, meanwhile, arrive in Birmingham looking every bit the title contenders. After a shaky start to the season, Pep Guardiola’s machine is in full swing, winning four and drawing one of their last five matches. This match preview pits Villa’s formidable home record against City’s resurgent title charge. Villa Park has been a fortress for Emery’s men, but City will be looking to break a recent curse, having lost their last two visits to this stadium.
Aston Villa Vs Manchester City match preview/Betting preview
Team Recent Form
Based on the last five results across all competitions, both teams are in strong form, though Villa is coming off a shock European loss.
Aston Villa: WWWWL
Manchester City: WDWWW
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Key Stats
- Villa’s Fortress: Aston Villa have been exceptional at Villa Park, losing only one competitive match at home in all of 2025 (W15, D4, L1).
- City’s H2H Bogey Ground: Manchester City have lost their last two consecutive matches at Villa Park (2-1 in Dec 2024 and 1-0 in Dec 2023).
- Rodri’s Absence: City’s midfield lynchpin Rodri is confirmed to be out with a hamstring injury. City’s win rate and control famously dip when he is not in the team.
Correct Score Prediction
Our prediction is a 1-2 victory for Manchester City.
This is an incredibly tough match to call. Villa’s home form is undeniable, and they have proven they can beat this City side at Villa Park. The absence of Rodri is a massive factor that levels the playing field and gives Villa’s powerful midfield duo of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana a real chance to dominate the central areas. However, Villa’s midweek loss in the Netherlands was a significant blip, and Manchester City are now in relentless form. Erling Haaland is in terrifying form, and Phil Foden is pulling the strings. I expect Villa to score, as they have in their last two home wins against City, but the champions’ overall quality and depth should see them just edge this encounter to break their Villa Park hoodoo. This will be tight, and the 2-1 away win offers great value on Betano.
Aston Villa Vs Manchester City H2H
- Aston Villa have won the last two head-to-head meetings played at Villa Park (2-1 and 1-0).
- Manchester City have dominated the fixture historically, winning 34 of the 50 Premier League-era meetings.
- In the last six meetings, the record is perfectly split: three wins for City, two wins for Villa, and one draw.
- Both teams have scored in four of the last six encounters, suggesting goals are on the menu.
Pre-game Odds
- Aston Villa: 4.33
- Draw: 3.40
- Manchester City: 1.897
(Odds are subject to change. Check the latest odds on Betano)
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Team News Aston Villa
Unai Emery rotated his squad for the midweek European tie, but the loss in the Netherlands was a blow. The good news is that the manager reports no new injury concerns from that match. Lucas Digne is expected to be fit to start. However, the Villans are still without key squad players Youri Tielemans and Ross Barkley, who remain ruled out of this fixture. Ollie Watkins, who was rested, will certainly return to lead the line.
Team News Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has one massive problem: Rodri is confirmed to be out with a hamstring injury and is not expected back until November. His deputy, Nico Gonzalez, is a major doubt after picking up a foot injury against Villarreal in the Champions League and will face a late fitness test. Defender Abdukodir Khusanov (ankle) is also unlikely to be ready. Phil Foden and Nico O’Reilly were rested midweek and are expected to return to the starting XI.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa (4-4-2):
Martínez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Onana, Rogers; Buendía, Watkins
Manchester City (4-2-3-1):
Donnarumma (GK); Nunes, Dias, Ake, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Bernardo Silva; Doku, Foden, Savinho; Haaland
Aston Villa Vs Manchester City betting tips
- Tip 1 – Result: Manchester City Win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
- Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
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