{"id":31457,"date":"2026-05-23T17:12:45","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T17:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=31457"},"modified":"2026-05-23T17:12:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T17:12:45","slug":"city-gears-up-for-guardiolas-send-off-against-europa-league-champions-aston-villa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/city-gears-up-for-guardiolas-send-off-against-europa-league-champions-aston-villa\/","title":{"rendered":"City Gears Up for Guardiola’s Send-Off Against Europa League Champions Aston Villa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Having just missed the Premier League title, Manchester City will wrap up their 2025-26 season with a heartfelt match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n

This match will signify the conclusion of a remarkable chapter as Pep Guardiola leads his final game as the manager of Manchester City following the announcement of his exit after a decade filled with significant achievements.<\/p>\n

City’s recent 1-1 draw with Bournemouth officially awarded the Premier League title to Arsenal, marking the first time Guardiola will end consecutive seasons without a league trophy in his career. Despite this setback, Guardiola helped secure both the FA Cup and EFL Cup this season and achieved a second-place finish in the league.<\/p>\n

This match will be Guardiola’s 593rd and final appearance in the managerial role, making him the longest-serving manager in Manchester City history. During his impressive tenure, he brought home 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, solidifying an era of dominance in English football.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the club will unveil their 2026-27 home kit during this farewell match, adding emotional significance to the day at the Etihad, as announced on their official X account<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Manchester City enters this fixture having gone unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League matches, enjoying a strong home record against Villa, having won 19 of their last 20 league encounters at the Etihad.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, Aston Villa heads into the game with a boost of confidence after securing the UEFA Europa League title with a 3-0 win over SC Freiburg in Istanbul. Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia, and Morgan Rogers helped Villa secure their first European trophy in 44 years, continuing Unai Emery’s successful association with the Europa League.<\/p>\n

\"Aston
Aston Villa wins the Europa League (Photo credit: Aston Villa media)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Villa has already qualified for the Champions League based on their league standing, having secured that position with a recent victory over Liverpool, which means there is minimal pressure on Emery’s team heading into the final game.<\/p>\n

Despite that, Villa has won three out of their last five matches against City and will seek to upset Guardiola’s farewell by achieving a rare league double over the reigning champions.<\/p>\n

Team News<\/h2>\n

Manchester City will say goodbye to Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who are both expected to play. Phil Foden might rejoin the starting eleven, while Erling Haaland will aim to surpass 30 Premier League goals for this season.<\/p>\n

\"Pep
Pep Guardiola- Photo credit: Fabrizio Romano via X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Aston Villa will be without Boubacar Kamara and Alysson due to injuries, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s participation will depend on a late fitness test after he played the Europa League final while injured.<\/p>\n

Unai Emery may choose to make changes to his lineup following Thursday’s trophy celebration, with Tammy Abraham, Leon Bailey, Douglas Luiz, and Tyrone Mings all vying for starting positions.<\/p>\n

Possible Lineups<\/h2>\n

Manchester City possible starting lineup:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Trafford: Nunes, Stones, Ake, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, Bernardo; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Marmoush<\/p>\n

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bizot; Bogarde, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen; Luiz, Onana; Bailey, Rogers, Sancho; Abraham<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Platform<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
TV Broadcast<\/td>\nSuperSport Premier League, SuperSport MaXimo 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Live Stream<\/td>\nDSTV Stream<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kick-off Time<\/td>\n16:00 (WAT)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Match Prediction<\/h2>\n

Softfootball predicts Manchester City to win against Aston Villa with a score of 3-1.<\/p>\n

\"Pep
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City fans – Photo Credit: Daily Mail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With emotions likely to play a significant role in Guardiola’s farewell, and Villa potentially rotating their squad after their recent European success, Manchester City could have the necessary quality to secure a final home victory this season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n