Manchester City vs Aston Villa Predictions

• Manchester City have drawn two of their last five Premier League matches
• Aston Villa have lost only two of their last 15 Premier League games, drawing five
• Eight of Villa’s nine league draws have featured over 1.5 goals

Huge clash with Champions League ramifications

A Premier League clash with huge Champions League entry implications takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday when Manchester City entertain Aston Villa.

City are one point clear of Villa in fifth – the lowest position either of them want to finish this season. Pep Guardiola’s men have picked up some winning momentum after victories over Leicester and Crystal Palace either side of a derby draw, but Villa are in better domestic form after winning four league games on the bounce.

Unai Emery’s side performed well in midweek when they almost overhauled Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and should not fear a City side with issues to resolve.

Rashford and Asensio signings have lifted Villa

Erling Haaland remains unavailable for the hosts, but they didn’t miss him too much when thrashing Crystal Palace 5-2 last week. Phil Foden should be available after missing that match with an ankle problem.

However, City’s once formibadle defence looks rocky with new additions bedding in and key players not fully fit. John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are all unavailable, having each suffered injuries during City’s European run.

The stage looks set for an entertaining game with Villa likely to provide City with a stern test. January signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio have been delivering goals and assists while Morgan Rogers has emerged as one of the most progressive ball carriers and creators in the top flight.

A draw with goals looks the way to go

City should still be tough to beat for Villa, who held on for a 2-1 win against Guardiola’s side during their shocking spell of form before Christmas.

A draw looks the most likely of the three match result options with Villa having grabbed a point in a similar-looking contest away to Arsenal earlier this season.

City have drawn two of their last five matches and conceded a couple in a 2-2 home stalemate with Brighton recently. And with eight of Villa’s nine top-flight darws having featured over 1.5 goals this term, it looks worth including a minimum of two goals in the draw recommendation.