Pep Guardiola believes Manchester Metropolis’s upcoming Premier League conflict with Aston Villa is “like a closing” as they purpose to safe Champions League soccer subsequent season.
After profitable the final 4 league titles throughout an unprecedented spell of home dominance, Metropolis’s purpose this time period is to earn a spot again at European soccer’s high desk.
The Residents sit fourth within the standings with 5 video games remaining, whereas Villa are seventh, however only a level behind Tuesday’s opponents with a number of groups within the combine.
Guardiola acknowledged the problem his facet will face on the Etihad Stadium, and lauded Villa for his or her show of their Champions League second-leg loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
“They’re a contender to qualify for the Champions League,” mentioned Guardiola. “You see the sport they performed in opposition to my pal Luis Enrique [PSG boss] – wow, I used to be actually, actually impressed.
“They will play low block and play away, however once they determine to go, with the weapons they’ve, the velocity they’ve, the set-pieces, they’re extremely well-organised.
“It’s a closing and we want our folks as a result of I feel our folks need the Champions League once more subsequent season, and hopefully they might help us from the primary minute.
“Generally we’re sloppy, typically we aren’t taking part in effectively, now we want them desperately to assist us, to make noise and be there on a regular basis, as a result of it’s completely a closing for us.”
Villa, in the meantime, shall be seeking to construct on their 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle United final trip, a consequence that has them proper again within the European hunt.
Unai Emery additionally had some constructive phrases for his reverse quantity, however mentioned his group are relishing the chance in opposition to final season’s champions.
“We will’t cease,” Emery mentioned. “We’re concerned in our key second within the season. By way of the Premier League, we are attempting to get our first goal in 38 matches.
“Tomorrow is day 34 in opposition to Manchester Metropolis, one of many groups contending to be within the high 4 or high 5. They wish to win the title, however this 12 months has been tougher for them.
“My respect for them is huge, as at all times. We’re prepared. Each participant and each employee right here in Aston Villa is so, so targeted within the second we’re in.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Manchester Metropolis – Omar Marmoush
Whereas Marmoush continues to be ready for his first away purpose within the Premier League this season, he has discovered consolation on the Etihad Stadium since his January change from Eintracht Frankfurt.
He has scored six targets in his six dwelling top-flight appearances for Metropolis up to now, scoring each 81 minutes, whereas throughout his final 17 dwelling league outings, together with his time with Frankfurt, he has 14 targets and 6 assists.
Aston Villa – Ollie Watkins
In distinction, Watkins has had a hand in 48 away Premier League targets in 88 appearances (34 targets, 14 assists), together with 5 in his final seven (4 targets, one help).
Solely Gabriel Agbonlahor has reached 50 or extra targets and assists away from dwelling for Villa (40 targets, 19 assists).
MATCH PREDICTION: MANCHESTER CITY WIN
Metropolis have gained their final 14 Premier League dwelling video games in opposition to Villa, scoring at the least twice in every of the final 13. Their final defeat was in April 2007 below Stuart Pearce.
The Residents have additionally gained every of their final 9 dwelling Premier League matches in April by an combination rating of 35-8. The final facet to beat Metropolis on the Etihad on this month was Leeds United in a 2-1 win again in 2021.
Throughout their 14 consecutive dwelling Premier League wins in opposition to Villa, Metropolis have trailed in simply two video games, going 1-0 down in Might 2010 and 2-0 down in Might 2022 earlier than profitable 3-1 and 3-2 respectively. In Premier League historical past, solely the Residents themselves in opposition to Newcastle United (an ongoing run of 16) have gained extra consecutive dwelling video games in opposition to an opponent.
However the Etihad shouldn’t be the fortress it as soon as was. Guardiola’s group have conceded 21 dwelling Premier League targets this season, their most in a season because the 2015-16 marketing campaign (additionally 21). They final conceded extra on dwelling soil in a season again in 2003-04 (24).
Villa, in the meantime, have gained two of their final three league video games in opposition to Man Metropolis, as many as of their earlier 23. They’re additionally seeking to full their first league double over the Residents since 1962-63.
The Villans have gained their final three away Premier League matches, protecting a clear sheet in every. Their last more away profitable run was between November and February 2008-09 (seven), whereas they’ve by no means gained 4 in a row with out conceding within the top-flight.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Manchester Metropolis – 50%
Draw – 23.1%
Aston Villa – 26.8%
