Image copyright: Getty Images
2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 31
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Etihad Stadium
Manchester, England
Wednesday, 3 April 2024
Kick-off is at 21h15
Manchester City will face a stern test of their
Premier League title credentials when Aston Villa visit the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, April 3.
The Citizens trail league leaders Liverpool by three points in third place after sharing the spoils in a 0-0 home draw with title rivals Arsenal on March 31 which extended their unbeaten run 14 games.
The Reds knocked the Gunners off the summit courtesy of a 2-1 comeback win against Brighton at Anfield earlier in the day to go two points clear of Mikel Arteta's side.
The Villans trail City by just five points in fourth spot after beating Wolves 2-0 in a West Midlands derby at Villa Park on March 30, although they have played one game more than the defending champions.
Unai Emery's side pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory over the Citizens in the reverse fixture on December 6, having gone winless in their previous 13 league encounters.
Villa maintained the three-point gap to Tottenham in the race for a top-four finish, with Spurs battling back from an early goal down to edge Luton 2-1 in the capital on March 30.
In team news, City manager Pep Guardiola could be boosted by the return of Ederson, who sat out the clash with Arsenal due to a thigh injury, but Kyle Walker misses out with a similar problem. Emery will check on Ollie Watkins (hamstring) and Jacob Ramsey (ankle), although he continues to be without Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings (all knee), Matty Cash (thigh) and John McGinn (suspension).
Image copyright: Getty Images
Guardiola praised his players for dominating in almost every area of the game against the free-scoring Gunners, who failed to find the back of the net for the first time in 10 matches.
"I prefer to win, but [will] take the point. It was a hard game. The team make me so proud," the Spaniard said. "The chances they have in first half, they press really well. In the second half, I couldn't expect more.
"Arsenal have scored many and conceded few. We didn't create much, it was almost actions, but they defend really well. We tried.
"I recognise the intention we had. We take the point and in nine games we see what happens. The only thing we can do is to refresh mind and legs and go into Aston Villa."
Emery admits the run-in will pose a stern challenge for his squad in the continued absence of some key players, but is confident they can cope with the pressure.
"We are in [match]day 30 and we have 59 points. Now we are going to focus on the next match on Wednesday against Manchester City," the Spaniard said.
"It's still being difficult in the way we are trying to get in the next few matches, but with some injuries and suspensions we have to support the players that are playing and get them comfortable in our structure. Today was fantastic for them."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Man City wins - 3
Aston Villa wins - 1
Draws - 1
Premier League Matchday 31 fixtures:
Tuesday, April 2
20h30: Nottingham Forest v Fulham
20h30: Newcastle United v Everton
20h45: Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
20h45: Burnley v Wolverhampton Wanderers
21h15: West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Wednesday, April 3
20h30: Arsenal v Luton Town
20h30: Brentford v Brighton & Hove Albion
21h15: Manchester City v Aston Villa
Thursday, April 4
20h30: Liverpool v Sheffield United
21h15: Chelsea v Manchester United
Bet on the English Premier League
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you
bet on soccer leagues such as the
Spanish La Liga, the
English Premier League, the
Italian Serie A and many more
Win big in the Betway casino
Ready to hit the jackpot? Play 777 Super Big Buildup Deluxe now at the Betway casino and spin your way to big winnings, your fortune awaits!
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.