Manchester City have won all seven of their Premier League matches this season, but Saturday’s trip to Villa Park could be their toughest assignment yet.
Enzo Maresca has enjoyed a remarkable start to life at the Etihad, with City sitting three points clear at the top of the table. Last weekend’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich was followed by a 5-1 demolition of AEK Athens in the Champions League.
Phil Foden scored a hat-trick against the Greek side, while Erling Haaland enjoyed a rare night off ahead of Saturday’s early kick-off.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are beginning to find their rhythm after an inconsistent start to the campaign.
Unai Emery’s side have won their last three matches, beating Fenerbahçe 6-0, Newcastle 1-0 and Viking 3-1.
Villa have also won their previous two Premier League meetings with City, including a 2-1 victory at the Etihad in May.
With both teams finding their attacking form, this could be one of the most entertaining fixtures of Matchweek 8.
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What are the best betting tips for Aston Villa vs Manchester City?
Both teams to score
Manchester City have been ruthless in front of goal this season, but their defensive performances haven’t always matched their attacking quality.
Maresca’s side conceded twice against Ipswich last weekend and three against Sunderland in September. They were also beaten 4-2 by PSG in the Champions League.
Four of City’s last five matches in all competitions have seen both teams score.
Villa should fancy their chances of contributing to the scoreline.
Emery’s side have scored 15 goals across their last five matches, including six against Fenerbahçe and three against Viking.
The hosts have also beaten City in their previous two league meetings, demonstrating their ability to cause problems for even the strongest opposition.
With both attacks in good form, a clean sheet for either side looks far from guaranteed.
Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer
Erling Haaland has already scored eight Premier League goals in seven appearances this season, putting him at the top of the scoring charts.
The Norwegian has scored twice in each of his last two appearances, including a brace against Ipswich last weekend.
Haaland was rested for City’s midweek victory over AEK Athens after picking up a knock, but Maresca has confirmed that the striker is available for Saturday.
That rest could prove important against a Villa defence dealing with several injury concerns.
Amadou Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Matteo Ruggeri are among the hosts’ absentees, while Ian Maatsen is also a fitness concern.
City have scored freely throughout the campaign, and Haaland remains their most reliable finisher.
If the visitors continue creating chances at their current rate, the Norwegian should have opportunities to add to his tally.
Aston Villa over 3.5 corners
Villa may not dominate possession against Manchester City, but that doesn’t mean they’ll spend the afternoon defending.
Emery’s side are particularly dangerous when attacking quickly, with their wide players capable of carrying the ball into threatening areas.
City’s high defensive line could offer opportunities for Villa to break forward, especially if the visitors commit numbers to their attacks.
The hosts have also demonstrated their ability to trouble City at Villa Park, winning their last two home league meetings against the Manchester club.
With Villa expected to spend periods under pressure, set pieces could become an important attacking outlet.
The visitors are likely to control possession, but Villa should still have enough opportunities to force four or more corners.
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What is Aston Villa’s predicted team?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Suzuki; Cash, Lindelöf, Mings, Bogarde; Kamara, João Gomes; Alysson Edward, Barkley, Buendía; Jackson.
Injured: Amadou Onana, Matteo Ruggeri, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Doubts: Ian Maatsen, George Hemmings, Johan Manzambi, Modou Kéba Cissé.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Unai Emery has several selection concerns despite Villa’s impressive recent form.
Amadou Onana remains sidelined with a serious knee injury, while Matteo Ruggeri and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also unavailable.
Ian Maatsen is pushing to return, although his fitness remains uncertain.
Zion Suzuki is expected to continue in goal, with Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Tyrone Mings and Lamare Bogarde forming the back four.
Boubacar Kamara and João Gomes could operate in midfield, while Ross Barkley and Emiliano Buendía provide creativity further forward.
Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the line, having scored twice in the Premier League this season.
Villa have found their attacking rhythm in recent weeks, but Emery will need a disciplined performance against City’s movement and pressing.
What is Manchester City’s predicted team?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guéhi, Aït-Nouri; Anderson, Bouaddi; Ndiaye, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Injured: Antoine Semenyo.
Doubts: Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly, Mateo Kovačić.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Erling Haaland is available after being rested for Tuesday’s Champions League victory over AEK Athens.
The Norwegian picked up a knock against Ipswich last weekend, but should return to the starting lineup at Villa Park.
Antoine Semenyo remains sidelined with a leg injury, while Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovačić are fitness concerns.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to start in goal, with Rúben Dias and Marc Guéhi providing experience in central defence.
Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi could feature in midfield, while Phil Foden should retain his place following his Champions League hat-trick.
Jérémy Doku and Iliman Ndiaye offer pace and creativity out wide, with Haaland leading the attack.
City have scored 13 goals across their last three matches in all competitions, and their attacking options look particularly dangerous heading into Saturday.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City stats
- Manchester City have won all seven Premier League matches this season, collecting 21 points.
- Aston Villa are 12th with eight points from seven league fixtures.
- Erling Haaland has scored eight Premier League goals in seven appearances.
- Phil Foden scored a hat-trick in City’s 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens.
- Villa have won their last three matches in all competitions.
- Aston Villa have scored 15 goals across their last five matches.
- Manchester City’s last five matches have produced 28 goals, averaging 5.6 per game.
- Villa have won their previous two Premier League meetings with Manchester City.
Where can I watch Aston Villa vs Manchester City?
Aston Villa host Manchester City at Villa Park on Saturday, 24 October 2026, with kick-off at 12:30 pm BST.
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and HBO Max.
United States: USA Network and Universo. Kick-off is at 7:30 am ET.
Canada: DAZN Canada and Fubo Canada. Kick-off is at 7:30 am ET.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City prediction
Manchester City’s perfect Premier League record will face a serious examination at Villa Park.
Maresca’s side have been outstanding going forward, with Haaland scoring regularly and Foden finding his best form.
However, their defensive performances have occasionally left the door open for opponents.
Villa have the attacking quality to exploit those weaknesses, particularly after scoring 15 goals in their last five matches.
Emery’s side have also enjoyed recent success against City, winning their previous two league meetings.
The visitors remain favourites, but this could be considerably closer than the league table suggests.
Villa should create opportunities, although City’s attacking quality may ultimately prove decisive.
Score prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester City
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