MANCHESTER CITY lost ground in the Premier League title race at the weekend and can ill afford another slip when they host a dangerous Aston Villa side who are out to secure a top-four finish.
Sunday's top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal was one of the biggest anti-climaxes of the season, with neither keeper seriously troubled as a dreary stalemate ruined one of Slips Tips bets and busted plenty of other coupons.
Liverpool were the only winners as they moved two points clear of the Gunners and three ahead of champions City with just nine Premier League games to play.
One of the most incredible stats to come out of the weekend is that Pep Guardiola's side still haven't managed to beat any team in the top five this season. That will need to change in this game if Manchester City are to get their title defence back on track but it won't be easy against an Aston Villa side who comfortably defeated them in the Midlands back in December.
After a stunning start to the season, a few people thought Villa's push for a Champions League slot would fade away after a poor run of results at the start of 2024. But they've now lost just once in eight games and remain in fourth place with Spurs and Manchester United chasing them.
Unai Emery has worked wonders since arriving at Villa Park and if he can outwit Guardiola for the second time this season it would leave Aston Villa well placed to take a seat at Europe's top table next term.
How the bookies view it
Manchester City remain heavy favourites despite their punchless display on Sunday and their best price is just 3/10 with Bet365. Aston Villa are a whopping 9/1 at 888Sport and even the draw is pretty big at 11/2 with Betfair.
Recent head to head
Aston Villa may have won when these sides faced off back in December but they had a terrible record before that in this fixture, going 15 games without a victory. The Etihad hasn't been a happy hunting ground and you have to go back to 2007 for Villa's last triumph there.
Players to watch
Phil Foden has a quiet game against Arsenal but has delivered so many times for Manchester City this season. The winger is 15/8 with Bet365 for anytime scorer while Betway price him at 13/5 for an assist.
With Ollie Watkins a major injury doubt for this one, Emery may have to rethink his tactics. I'd imagine Leon Bailey will start after impressing of late and he grabbed the winner when Aston Villa beat Manchester City earlier in the season. The Jamaican is 11/2 at Paddy Power for another strike while SkyBet price him at 3/1 to either score or assist.
Anything else catch the eye?
The midfield battle will be key to deciding this one and I fancy Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz for a card as he's already on double figures for the season. With that kind of tally, the 5/2 at Unibet for Luiz to go in the book looks decent value.
Guardiola's side always dominate possession but the pace of Aston Villa will make them a big threat on the break. Moussa Diaby chipped in with a goal and an assist at the weekend and he's a tempting 13/8 at Bet365 just to have a shot on target.
Emery plays quite a high defensive line and that makes Manchester City offsides a decent option. SkyBet are offering 11/10 on the flag going up over 2.5 times against City players.
This English Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa will be played on Apr 3, 2024 and kick off at 20:15. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Aston Villa prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
