Premier League runners-up Manchester City welcome newly-crowned Europa League winners Aston Villa to the Etihad on Sunday afternoon on the final day of the season.
Manchester City saw their title hopes ended on Tuesday night, as they could only draw 1-1 away at European hopefuls Bournemouth, meaning they head into the final Matchday four points behind the Gunners.
Whilst that’s consecutive seasons they have missed out on the Premier League title, Pep Guardiola’s men did complete a cup double last weekend, as they followed up their Carabao Cup success over Arsenal by beating Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final last weekend – on an afternoon two of my selections landed.
Aston Villa also got their hands on a trophy in the last few days, as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday night – on an evening I landed a 10/11.
Europa League specialist Unai Emery also saw his side defeat Liverpool 4-2 in their last Premier League outing to confirm Champions League qualification – on an evening both of my selections cruised in – but they still require a point to confirm fourth place.
How the bookies view it: City clear favourites
Despite already losing out on the title, Manchester City are clear favourites to wrap up their campaign with all three points, with bet365 pricing a home success at 2/7.
Aston Villa are 8/1 underdogs to claim a rare win at the Etihad, whilst the draw is also unfancied at 19/4.
Head to head: City dominance at the Etihad
Aston Villa tend to dread trips to the Etihad, as they have lost on 19 of their previous 20 visits to that part of Manchester (W0-D1-L19), losing each of their previous 15.
The Villans did win the reverse fixture 1-0 at Villa Park back in October, and are looking to complete the double over the Cityzens for the first time since 1962/63.
Players to watch: Another Golden Boot for Haaland
Erling Haaland looks set to win his third Golden Boot in four seasons with Manchester City, as he took his tally to 27 in midweek following his stoppage-time equaliser at Bournemouth.
That goal took the Norwegian five clear of Brentford’s Igor Thiago, but he is a best price 5/11 at Unibet to add to his goal tally on Sunday.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
Manchester City appear to have a fully fit squad, with the departing John Stones and Bernardo Silva set to feature.
Aston Villa will still be without the injured Boubacar Kamara, whilst Emi Martinez is a doubt.
Manchester City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Stones, Guehi, Gvardiol, Rodri, Silva, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
Aston Villa: Bizot, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Barkley, Tielemans, McGinn, Buendia, Rogers, Watkins
Anything else catch the eye?
As alluded to, Manchester City have been victorious in each of their previous 15 meetings at the Etihad with Aston Villa, as well as winning 19 of their last 20.
Pep Guardiola’s men are also unbeaten in each of their last 17 Premier League fixtures in front of their supporters – winning 14 of them (W14-D3-L0) – and you’d fully expect the Spaniard to win in what looks like his final game in charge of the club.
12 of those victories have featured fewer than five goals, and a repeat pays 21/20 at Betfred, which appeals against an Aston Villa side that will still be in party mode following their European success in midweek.
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