Manchester City travel to Villa Park on Sunday looking to maintain their position near the top of the Premier League against an Aston Villa side enjoying a resurgence.
Pep Guardiola’s team arrive unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions. Furthermore, they have collected more points than any other side since April, underlining their consistency. City face a tough challenge, however, having lost on their last two league visits to Villa Park.
The absence of midfield anchor Rodri through injury presents a significant tactical hurdle for Guardiola. Nevertheless, the form of Erling Haaland provides immense confidence. The Norwegian is aiming to score in his sixth consecutive away league game, a feat only Sergio Agüero has bettered for the club.
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola will definitely be without influential midfielder Rodri due to a hamstring injury. Nico Gonzalez is also a major doubt after picking up a foot injury in midweek. Consequently, Mateo Kovacic or Rico Lewis could step into the midfield alongside Tijjani Reijnders. Abdukodir Khusanov remains unavailable.
Erling Haaland, who has scored five goals in four away league games this season, will lead the attack. He will be supported by Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku out wide, aiming to breach a Villa defence that has conceded from set-pieces in recent games.
Manchester City predicted Lineup
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Aké, O’Reilly; Lewis; Savinho, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
When is the match kick-off?
The Premier League fixture will be played at Villa Park on Sunday, 26 October 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00 pm BST.
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.
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