The Premier League's gameweek 31 brings an exciting clash as Manchester City host Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on the 3rd of April, 2024.
With both teams vying for crucial points in their respective league campaigns, this fixture is poised to be a spectacle that hopefully surpasses the bore-fest we saw between City and Arsenal at the weekend.
Current Form
Man City's Current Form
Manchester City, currently sitting in third place, recently shared spoils in a goalless draw against Arsenal, marking their first failure to score at home in a Premier League fixture since October 2021.
Despite the hiccup, Pep Guardiola's side remains undefeated in their last 23 matches across all competitions.
Their ability to maintain a solid form, despite scoring challenges in their latest outing, highlights their standing as formidable contenders for the title.
Aston Villa's Current Form
Aston Villa, on the other hand, are not far behind, occupying the fourth spot after a convincing 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Under Unai Emery's guidance, the team has shown significant improvement, particularly in their away games, where they've not faced defeat in the first eight on-the-road games in 2024.
This run includes five clean sheets, underpinning a solid defensive strategy away from home.
Team News
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City's lineup might see adjustments due to injuries. Nathan Ake and key players like Ederson and Kyle Walker are currently sidelined due to thigh injuries, causing a reshuffle in the defensive setup.
Aston Villa Team News
Aston Villa's attack faces a setback with Ollie Watkins unavailable due to a hamstring injury, alongside other key players missing through various injuries, putting pressure on the remaining squad to step up.
Key Players
Manchester City's Key Player
For Manchester City, the spotlight will be on Erling Haaland, whose goal-scoring prowess will be crucial in breaking Aston Villa's resilient defence.
Aston Villa's Key Player
Aston Villa's hopes might rest on Moussa Diaby, whose recent performances have been nothing short of inspirational, adding a much-needed spark to their attacking endeavours.
Scoreline Prediction
Considering the form, team news, and historical context, Manchester City seems to have the upper hand, especially at the Etihad Stadium.
Our prediction for this match is a 2-1 victory for Manchester City. Their depth and tactical flexibility, even amidst injuries, should allow them to navigate through Villa's defence.
FAQ
What time does the match start? The match is scheduled to start at 8.15 pm UK time on April 3, 2024.
Where is the match being played? The match will take place at Etihad Stadium, Manchester City's home ground.
Can Aston Villa break their away losing streak against Manchester City? Given their current form and Manchester City's stronghold at Etihad, it appears to be a challenging task for Aston Villa.
Who is a key player to watch for Manchester City? Erling Haaland is undoubtedly a key player for Manchester City with his exceptional scoring ability.
What's at stake in this match? Crucial points for the Premier League title race and top-four finish are at stake, making this match highly significant for both teams.
Aston Villa 
Man City 
