Manchester City v Aston Villa: Team News, odds, latest quotes and television details

Can Manchester City claim a sixth Premier League title with a win on Sunday afternoon?
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The final day of a dramatic Premier League title battle all comes down to this for Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s men host Aston Villa knowing a win will see them retain their title and become champions for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

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There is plenty on offer for fans of a narrative with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in charge of Villa and former Anfield stars Danny Ings and Philippe Coutinho both expected to start for the visitors.

A tense afternoon at the Etihad lies in wait.

What is the team news from both sides?

Defensive duo Kyle Walker and John Stones returned to training this week and City manager Pep Guardiola will make a late call on whether to include them in his matchday squad.

John Stones was replaced last week in the first leg against Real Madrid. Credit: Getty.John Stones was replaced last week in the first leg against Real Madrid. Credit: Getty.
John Stones was replaced last week in the first leg against Real Madrid. Credit: Getty.

Ings and Coutinho could start for Villa after coming off the bench during Thursday night’s 1-1 home draw with Burnley.

What are the managers saying ahead of the game?

City boss Pep Guardiola said: “The day after we’ll be happy if we have won — but my advice is to try to just be happy playing football, this is more important than winning titles.

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“You feel alone after two or three days. That’s all? All the effort for that? Having it on your CV is good but no more than that.

“It’s magnificent and then you defend being a champion over a year. Someone has to take us out.”

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said: “In terms of Liverpool, I totally understand and respect the external noise and the questions that have been coming my way for some time.

Steven Gerrard, Manager of Aston Villa leaves the pitch at half time during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Burnley at Villa ParkSteven Gerrard, Manager of Aston Villa leaves the pitch at half time during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Burnley at Villa Park
Steven Gerrard, Manager of Aston Villa leaves the pitch at half time during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Burnley at Villa Park

“They’re involved in a title race, and I spent a lot of time there. It is disappointing when people mention integrity and aim it towards me or Aston Villa or any of my players.

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“We’ll go out at the weekend and give it everything we’ve got to try to get points for Aston Villa and our supporters. If that inevitably helps Liverpool, fantastic.”

What are the latest odds?

Manchester City are strong favourites to claim the win and the Premier League title on Sunday afternoon.

Pep’s men are set at 1/7 with SkyBet, Villa are a massive 16/1 to pull off a shock win at the Etihad and the draw is rated at 7/1.

Where is the game being broadcast?

Yes, Sky Sports have selected the game for live coverage on Sunday afternoon.

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Coverage gets underway at 2.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HD.

Highlights will also be shown on Match of the Day, which will be broadcast on BBC One at 10.30pm on Sunday night.

Prediction

After suffering just two defeats in their previous 18 Premier League home games, it seems highly unlikely Manchester City will slip up on the final day of a titanic title tussle with Liverpool.

Of course, Villa have considerable threats and there are headlines waiting to be written with former Liverpool stars Philippe Coutinho and Danny Ings likely to be involved for the visitors.

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And we can’t forget the Liverpool legend that will take his place in the away dugout as Steven Gerrard looks to do a favour for his former club.

The focus is all on City and they should have all of the experience required to finish the job by claiming all three points and retaining their Premier League title.

Scoreline: Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa