Manchester City vs Aston Villa: Team news and the predicted City lineup ahead of tonight’s crucial match

Manchester City is back in action tonight against high flying Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium tonight. The game is another critical Premier League clash for Pep Guardiola’s side. The champions will be desperate for three points to keep in touch with Liverpool and Arsenal as the title race continues tonight. Here is the team news for both teams ahead of what could be a fascinating encounter with massive implications for both sides.

Manchester City team news

The champions will take on Aston Villa with several key defensive players out of action. Pep Guardiola confirmed the pre-game that Nathan Ake, Ederson, and Kyle Walker will all miss the game due to injury. It is a blow for the treble winners who need every player available as they seek to keep in touch with Arsenal and Liverpool.

There was positive news on the condition of John Stones from Pep Guardiola. The City manager told the media that Stones could feature tonight. Given the injuries to City’s defensive stocks, Stones’ possible availability tonight could be crucial for tonight’s game and Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Pep Guardiola told the media during his pre game press conference that he needs all of this players ready to contribute starting against Aston Villa. The City manager told the media: “The only thing I ask of the players is be ready, be yourself and after it doesn’t matter if you perform the highest level or less. Jack is committed. We need everyone. The injuries that we have and the tight schedule of many games we need everyone.”

Predicted Manchester City starting lineup: Stefan Ortega, Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland.

Aston Villa team news

High flying Aston Villa will be eager for a good performance to consolidate their standing on the Premier League table. Unai Emery’s side sits fourth and will be desperate to maintain a hold on a place in next season’s Champions League.

They will, however, head to the Etihad Stadium, missing several key players. Villa manager Unai Emery confirmed that Ollie Watkins and Jacob Ramsey will miss tonight’s game due to injury. When asked about the pair’s availability the Villa manager told the media: “They will not be available for tomorrow. They have small injuries. Jacob Ramsey is not getting better like he wants. We are not in a hurry with him. For tomorrow, he will not be available. With Ollie, it is more or less the same. Ollie’s injury is a small injury. With some days rest, maybe he could be available for the next match.”

They will also have to face Manchester City without captain John McGinn, who is currently serving a suspension.

A huge match awaits Manchester City tonight

A potentially season defining match awaits at the Etihad Stadium tonight. Both teams will be desperate for three points, and for Manchester City, it is a must given the state of the title race. Their chase for a fourth consecutive Premier League title may depend on tonight’s result for Pep Guardiola’s side. They can not afford to drop more points after Sunday’s draw with Arsenal. Aston Villa will be no pushover, so a tough challenge awaits tonight for the world champions.