Man City vs Aston Villa: Premier League preview, predictions and bet builder tips

Manchester City vs Aston Villa match details

Fixture: Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Competition: Premier League
Date: Sunday, 24 May, 2026
Kick-off: 16:00 BST
Venue: Etihad Stadium

Manchester City vs Aston Villa match prediction

Our prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa

Manchester City vs Aston Villa predicted lineups

Manchester City

Our predicted XI (4-3-3): Trafford / Nunes, Stones, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri / Rodri, Bernardo, Foden / Savinho, Marmoush, Haaland

Aston Villa

Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bizot / Garcia, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen / Luiz, Bogarde / Bailey, Barkley, Sancho / Abraham

Manchester City vs Aston Villa bet builder tips

Manchester City to win

There is simply no way Manchester City will want Pep Guardiola’s final match in charge to end in disappointment.

While the title race is now over following Tuesday night’s draw with Bournemouth, Sunday afternoon is about celebrating the most successful manager in the club’s history.

City still come into this game in strong form overall, and with emotions running high at the Etihad, we expect Guardiola’s side to deliver one final statement performance.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, have spent much of the week celebrating their Europa League triumph with an open-top bus parade through Birmingham.

Unai Emery’s side already have Champions League football secured for next season, meaning the intensity and preparation levels may not be quite the same heading into this match.

Sometimes football picks are based on data. This one is based on emotion, occasion and the belief that City will send Guardiola off with a win.

Over 2.5 goals to be scored

Recent meetings between these two sides suggest goals are likely once again on Sunday.

Three of Manchester City’s last five matches against Aston Villa have seen over 2.5 goals scored, including the dramatic final-day clash between the two sides back in 2022.

This game may not carry the same title-race tension, but with the pressure largely off both teams, we expect an open and entertaining contest.

Manchester City’s matches have consistently produced goals in recent weeks, while Villa’s attacking quality means they are always capable of contributing themselves.

With the Etihad set for a celebratory atmosphere, backing over 2.5 goals looks a strong option.

Erling Haaland to score

Erling Haaland may not have reached the absurd standards he set in previous seasons, but the Norwegian striker still heads into this game with 27 goals to his name.

That total would represent a dream season for almost any striker in world football, which highlights just how extraordinary Haaland’s expectations have become.

The former Borussia Dortmund forward scored in City’s draw with Bournemouth in midweek and will undoubtedly be motivated to deliver in Guardiola’s farewell match.

With City expected to dominate possession and create chances, Haaland looks well-placed to get on the scoresheet once again.

Phil Foden to have 1+ shot on target

Phil Foden heads into this match with a point to prove after the disappointing news that he will not be part of England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Pep Guardiola handed Foden his debut at Manchester City and knows better than anyone how determined the midfielder will be to respond.

We expect Guardiola to start Foden in his final game, and we also expect the England international to play with real purpose.

Foden averages 0.6 shots on target per Premier League game this season and has registered two shots on target across his last three matches.

Against an Aston Villa side likely still riding the emotional high of their Europa League celebrations, Foden should have opportunities to test Emiliano Martinez.

You can bet on each of these markets individually, or combine them to create a Manchester City vs Aston Villa Bet Builder.

With Bet Builder+, you can combine your selections not only within this match, but also across other football fixtures and different sports.

View the latest football odds here.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.