Man City vs Aston Villa: Match Preview, Team News and Predicted Starting XI as Pep Targets Fourth EPL Title

Man City vs Aston Villa: Match Preview, Team News and Predicted Starting XI as Pep Targets Fourth EPL Title

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:03 PM
In this article:
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  • Manchester City are scheduled to host Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium in their final game of the 2021/22 season
  • Pep Guardiola's men need to beat Aston Villa to be sure of lifting the Premier League title ahead of rivals, Liverpool
  • City currently top the standings with 90 points, one ahead of Liverpool who will be playing Wolves in their last fixture of the campaign

Manchester City will be looking to get the job done when they host Aston Villa in their final match of the Premier League title on Sunday, May 22.

City are one step away from winning their fourth Premier League title in five years and win over Villa at the Etihad Stadium will be enough to see them crowned champions this season.

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola looks on during training at Manchester City Football Academy. Photo by Tom Flathers.
Manchester City's Pep Guardiola looks on during training at Manchester City Football Academy. Photo by Tom Flathers.
Source: Getty Images

Pep Guardiola's charges currently have a one-point advantage over Liverpool who sit second on the standings.

Match Preview

City would only need a point against Aston Villa to be confirmed champions had they won against West Ham United in their last outing.

Instead, the Citizens settled for a 2-2 draw against the Hammers to have their title party delayed for a few more days.

A win over Villa will be enough for City regardless of the outcome of Liverpool's meeting with Wolves at Anfield.

However, a draw would leave Man City praying that Liverpool suffers defeat against Wolves for them to lift the title.

Meanwhile, having failed to win a Premier League title during his illustrious Liverpool career, Steven Gerrard has a chance of winning his former side the title.

Now the Villa boss, all the former midfielder needs to do is to ensure that his side defeats City or holds them toa draw with the hope that Liverpool will pick maximum points against Wolves.

Team news

Pep Guardiola could yet be handed a couple of injury boosts ahead of the final day of the season, with Kyle Walker and John Stones both returning to team training earlier this week.

Stones could displace Fernandinho at centre-back should he be passed fit enough, but it is unlikely Walker will be risked.

Ruben Dias, meanwhile, will play role in the match as he is currently battling his new hamstring injury.

In the Aston Villa camp, Gerrard has a number of injury concerns to contemd with defender Ezri Konsa, Kortney Hause, and Leon Bailey all on the treatment table.

Possible starting XI

Man City:

Ederson; Joao Cancelo, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Zinchenko; Bernado Silva, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne; Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Jack Grealish

Aston Villa:

Martinez; Cash, Callum Chambers, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Philippe Coutinho; Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings

Man United target sixth-place finish ahead of the final day of the season

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Manchester United will be looking to seal a sixth-place finish during their trip to Crystal Palace in what will be their last match of the 2021/22 season.

United are assured of European football next season despite a frustrating campaign that has seen them end the season without a trophy.

Ralf Rangnick's charges currently sit sixth on the standings with 58 points, two points ahead of West Ham United who occupy seventh place.

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Fred Kennedy
Editor - Europe Team
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Etihad StadiumPep Guardiola