Manchester City vs. Aston Villa: EPL Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

On Tuesday night, Manchester City and Aston Villa will face off at the Etihad Stadium in a Premier League match that might decide who qualifies for the Champions League.

There has been a minor easing of the pressure as we enter the final stretch, thanks to five teams earning spots in Europe's top-tier tournament, but the pressure is still there.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

After Saturday's results, Manchester City and Aston Villa are closing on next season's Champions League spots.

City edged Everton 2-0 with late goals from Nico O'Reilly and Mateo Kovacic, while Villa helped them out by beating Newcastle later in the day. City's recent success has come from solid defensive form—three clean sheets and 10 points from their last four matches—though they've already conceded 21 home goals this season, equaling their worst since 2003–04.

They'll be confident heading into the Villa clash, having beaten them 14 straight times at the Etihad—second only to their 16-game run over Newcastle. City haven't lost at home to Villa since 2007.

However, Villa's recent form is strong. They've won 10 of their last 11 matches, including a 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle, and are within two points of third-place. They won the reverse fixture 2-0 and could do the double over City for the first time since 1962–63.

Though Villa have been poor away to top sides this season (just one point from five games), they are currently on a three-game road winning streak without conceding—a club record they'll aim to extend.

Manchester City x Aston Villa Team News

Mateo Kovacic is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance tonight after scoring the winner at Everton and is expected to start. Ederson is out with a groin injury, while Manuel Akanji and Phil Foden, who were subbed off at Goodison, could return to the XI.

Erling Haaland and John Stones may return soon, but Rodri and Nathan Ake likely won't return until May.

Villa's only concern is Pau Torres, who was rested with a minor issue. Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey are fit again, and Marcus Rashford could return to the starting lineup after injury.

Ollie Watkins, who scored last weekend, is now tied with Gabby Agbonlahor as Villa's joint-top Premier League scorer (74 goals) after twice hitting the crossbar.

Our predictions

Manchester City to win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.32 on Sky247.ng

While they haven't yet gotten back to their peak, City has often been winning against teams that have been hot lately. Thus, they should have no problem overcoming Villa's witty defence.

Villa have yet to seize a better opportunity to halt their terrible streak at the Etihad, but they have been caught in a trap of flattery this season, and they may not be able to avoid the same fate this time.

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