Man City v Aston Villa Predictions & Betting Tips

Tuesday | 19:00 UTC | Etihad Stadium | Premier League

A massive match in the race for Champions League qualification sees Manchester City host Aston Villa at the Etihad on Tuesday night. Just a point separates the sides in the table, and both know a win here could prove crucial in the final standings.

Villa Enter with Momentum

Aston Villa’s 4-1 win over Newcastle last week tightened the race at the top. Unai Emery’s side have lost just once in their last 12 matches across all competitions- a narrow defeat away to PSG. They’ve responded brilliantly, including a second-leg win over the French side to exit the Champions League with their heads held high.

Villa are currently just one point behind City and two behind Newcastle. However, their away form has been mixed, with 7 wins and 7 losses in league matches on the road. They’ve kept a clean sheet in their last 3 away games, all of which have resulted in wins.

City Strong at Home, but not Indestructible

City have been tough to beat at the Etihad this season, going W10-D3-L3 in their 16 league games. They have scored 37 goals at home, which is 10 more than the 27 they have scored away. However, they have conceded 42 goals in total, 21 at home and away, in the league.

In recent weeks, their attack has been firing- putting 5 past Crystal Palace and two past Leicester and Everton. But there are still defensive concerns, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Aston Villa get on the scoresheet here to make this an exciting game.

How the Bookies See It

City are the clear favourites at 1.25, with Villa out at 3.80 to snatch a win. A draw is available at 3.95. The market expects goals, with Over 2.5 Goals at 1.52 and Both Teams to Score at 1.49, suggesting a high-scoring affair.

Head-to-Head: Villa’s Etihad Hoodoo

City have dominated this fixture at home. They’ve won the last 13 meetings with Villa at the Etihad, scoring 44 goals and conceding just 11 in the process. Also, 7 of the last 8 meetings has seen both teams score in this fixture.

Players to Watch

Nico O’Reilly is one to keep an eye on for City. The youngster has started 4 straight games, scored in his last 2, and racked up 4 shots in total. He’s been fouled often and commits his share of fouls too- with 5 in his 4 four matches. With Matty Cash and Morgan Rogers likely to target his flank, I can see him getting involved again in both directions.

Villa’s Ollie Watkins will lead the line again, and given his ability to stretch defences, he’ll be key to Villa’s counter-attacking threat.

Predicted Lineups

Man City: Ortega; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, De Bruyne; McAtee, Foden, Doku; Marmoush
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Asensio; Watkins