The battle for Champions League football is intensifying in the Premier League.
Both Manchester City and Aston Villa are battling to finish in the Top 5, placing even more importance on this exciting midweek clash.
Read on for NetBet’s first full match preview of the week, featuring the best football betting odds for your midweek bet.
And if you like the look of multiple selections on Manchester City vs Aston Villa, our Bet Builder feature allows you to combine them into one handy wager.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Tuesday, April 22, 8pm
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Live on Sky Sports
Manchester City vs Aston Villa Preview
Both City and Villa picked up crucial victories on the weekend.
The Citizens defeated Everton 2-0 thanks to late goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic, while Unai Emery’s men thrashed Newcastle 4-1 on home soil.
Villa have now won five Premier League matches in a row, a run which has seen them move to within a point of fifth-placed City – who have three victories in the last five.
That level of closeness just further highlights the importance of tonight’s fixture and if one team emerges victorious, they will feel confident of securing the big prize of Champions League football for 2025-26.
In truth, Villa look a far more complete package right now, combining slick attacking play and midfield magic with robust defensive work.
Aside from the 5-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace, City are nowhere close to the machine they once were, unable to effectively penetrate teams after a passing move and clearly missing the presence of the injured Erling Haaland.
On the other hand, Villa look capable of scoring goals aplenty every time they take to the pitch, whether it is through January signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio or Ollie Watkins.
Watkins publicly voiced his anger over a lack of game time after scoring in the win vs Newcastle, so it will be interesting to see whether he is given the nod to start at the Etihad.
Villa won 2-1 when these sides met earlier in the season and while this fixture is of great significance, both will still have one eye on their FA Cup semi-finals at the weekend.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Despite Villa’s impressive form, City are the favourites here at 1.80. The visitors are priced at 4.10 to claim the win, while the draw is 4.00.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa Betting Tips
Kevin De Bruyne to score anytime @ 4.20
De Bruyne has started City’s last three matches and looks like he is beginning to rediscover something close to his best form after announcing he will leave the club at the end of the season. We fancy him to get his fourth league goal of the campaign.
Morgan Rogers to score anytime @ 4.20
Ex-City youth product Rogers has been a revelation in 2024-25, tallying eight goals and eight assists in the top flight. He also scored in the reverse fixture against City.
Manchester City to win and over 2.5 goals @ 2.30
It should be a fantastic, goal-filled match at the Etihad, given the players on show and the implications of defeat. But we are backing City, who have the fourth-best home record this season, despite their well-known struggles. Two of City’s last three home matches have featured over 2.5 goals.
Manchester City Team News
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ortega, Nunes, Dias, Gvaridol, O’Reilly, Gundogan, Gonzalez, Savinho, De Bruyne, Doku, Marmoush
Injuries/Doubts: Rodri, Stones, Ake, Haaland, Ederson
Aston Villa Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Onana, Rogers, Tielemans, Rashford, Watkins
Injuries/Doubts: None
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