Two of the Premier League’s most in-form sides clash on Sunday as Aston Villa host Manchester City at Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s Villa are seeking a fourth consecutive league victory after a remarkable turnaround in form. However, they face a City side that has collected more points than anyone else since April and boasts the prolific Erling Haaland leading the line.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday 26 October 2025
- Kick-off: 2:00 pm BST
- Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- VAR: John Brooks
- Last Meeting: Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa, 22 April 2025, Premier League
Team News
Aston Villa
Unai Emery has been handed a boost with key defender Tyrone Mings returning to fitness after an ankle injury. Goalkeeper Emi Martínez is also expected to be available despite missing the midweek Europa League trip. However, Lucas Digne is a new doubt through injury, while Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana remain unavailable.
Manchester City
The visitors will be without midfield linchpin Rodri due to a hamstring injury. Nico Gonzalez is also a doubt after picking up a knock in midweek, potentially forcing Mateo Kovacic into a starting role. Abdukodir Khusanov remains sidelined, but City possess formidable depth elsewhere.
Form
Aston Villa
Villa have transformed their season, winning their last three league games after failing to win any of the first five. Their recent comeback wins highlight their resilience under Unai Emery, who has secured more victories after conceding first (11) than any manager except Pep Guardiola since November 2022. However, a shock Europa League defeat midweek halted their overall winning streak.
Manchester City
City are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions and sit second in the table. They have won more points (39) and scored more goals (101 against Villa alone) than any other Premier League side since the start of April. Furthermore, Erling Haaland is in sensational form, aiming to score in his sixth consecutive away league game.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, McGinn; Guessand, Buendía, Rogers; Watkins.
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Aké, O’Reilly; Lewis; Savinho, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
How to watch Aston Villa vs Manchester City?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage begins ahead of the 2:00 pm BST kick-off.
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