Matchday 17 of the Premier League between Aston Villa and Manchester City will take place on December 21 at Villa Park in Birmingham. Aston Villa vs. Manchester City: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Referee: Peter Bankes (England)
Matches – 9 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 35;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.9;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 18;
Penalties – 22%.
Predicted lineups for Aston Villa vs. Manchester City
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez – Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos – Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara – Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, Matty Cash – Jhon Duran.
Manchester City (3-2-4-1): Ederson – Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol – Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva – Kevin De Bruyne, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden – Erling Haaland.
Each team’s starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is indicated.
Aston Villa
The Birmingham side visited Nottingham Forest in the last round and suffered a 1-2 defeat. Although Unai Emery's team was leading until the 87th minute, they faltered in the closing stages, conceding two goals. This marked their fourth consecutive away defeat in the league. Due to these away setbacks, Aston Villa has dropped to 7th place, but the gap to the top four is not too large—only three points.
- The club has not won 6 of their last 8 Premier League matches (2 draws and 4 losses).
- Both teams have scored in 9 of Aston Villa's last 12 home Premier League games.
Manchester City
The Citizens also lost their last league match 1-2. Playing at home, they were defeated by their neighbors Manchester United. In that derby, Pep Guardiola's team set a negative record—the first time in Premier League history the reigning champions lost after leading until the 88th minute. This was also their fifth defeat in their last seven Premier League matches (1 win and 1 draw). As a result, Manchester City has dropped out of the top four, but they are only one point away from the Champions League zone.
Due to injuries, defenders Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, forward Oscar Bobb, and midfielder Rodri Hernandez are unavailable.
- In 6 of their last 7 Premier League matches, the Citizens have conceded at least two goals.
- Three or more goals have been scored in 6 of Manchester City's last 7 league games.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of the club's last 7 away Premier League matches.
Aston Villa vs. Manchester City: Match Prediction
While Manchester City is in a deep crisis, every team in the league is trying to perform their best against Pep Guardiola's side. In their last 11 official matches, Manchester City has only one win, two draws, and eight losses. This has not been seen in the era of the Spanish coach, and it seems Birmingham has an excellent chance to at least not lose this match. Moreover, the Citizens have failed to win away in the Premier League in four consecutive matches (1 draw and 3 losses).
Aston Villa has issues in away games, but they remain a formidable force at home. In their last 13 home Premier League matches, the club has only lost to Arsenal, securing 6 wins and 6 draws. Additionally, in the last two league seasons, the Birmingham side did not lose to the Citizens at Villa Park (a 1-0 win and a 1-1 draw). My prediction: Aston Villa to win or draw
