Aston Villa vs Manchester City: Guardiola’s Side Seek 10th Unbeaten Game in All Competitions

Manchester City travel to Villa Park off the back of a 2–0 victory over Villarreal in midweek and will aim to extend their unbeaten run to ten matches in all competitions. City sit second in the Premier League table and will view this fixture as an opportunity to reinforce their position near the top as the season progresses.

Aston Villa have recovered from a difficult start. After opening the campaign with five Premier League matches without a win (three draws, two defeats), Unai Emery’s side have since won their last three league games. Villa have also demonstrated resilience when falling behind they have won their last two Premier League matches despite conceding first. Those results have stabilised their position in 12th place in the Premier League table.

Team News

Villa will be without Youri Tielemans, who is sidelined with a calf injury. Tyrone Mings is available again after featuring in the midweek fixture against Go Ahead Eagles, which Villa lost. Emery is expected to field a near full-strength XI aside from Tielemans’ absence.

City continue to manage several injuries. Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov are both confirmed absentees as they remain in recovery. Nico González picked up a knock in midweek and is a doubt for the trip to Birmingham; his condition will be monitored ahead of kick-off. Pep Guardiola’s side will need to adjust their midfield and defensive configuration in Rodri’s absence.

Of the previous 34 meetings between the two clubs, Villa have won six, City 24, and four have ended in draws. City’s Premier League record against Villa includes 31 wins and 101 goals figures only exceeded against Newcastle (32 wins, 106 goals).

Despite City’s overall dominance, Villa have won their last two home league matches against Manchester City, an indication that Villa Park can still pose problems for Guardiola’s team on their day.

The balance of absences and form points to a competitive match. City enter as favourites based on squad quality and league position, but Villa’s recent resurgence, strong home form, and positive history at Villa Park suggest this fixture may not be as straightforward for Guardiola’s side as expected.