Aston Villa vs Manchester City Match Prediction, Fantasy Football Tips and Possible Starting Lineups

The 2024/25 season of the Premier League has thrown plenty of surprises. However, the biggest of them all is Manchester City’s faltering title defense. After four remarkable seasons, the Cityzens finally are letting up their iron grip on the Premier League. But in Gameweek 17, they will try to get their floundering season back on track as they visit Birmingham to face Aston Villa.

There are few clubs in English football history who have dominated the domestic scene quite like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Last season, they became the first club in English football history to win four consecutive top-flight titles. Expectations were sky-high for another commanding campaign, but reality has painted a very different picture. This season, the Cityzens find themselves nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and sitting uncomfortably in 5th place, outside the coveted Champions League spots. The injury bug has hit Guardiola’s squad hard, with the absence of key players like Rodri leaving a gaping hole in their lineup. Despite the setbacks, there’s no breather for Guardiola and his men. Up next, they face a tricky test against Aston Villa on Saturday—a match where City desperately need to turn their fortunes around. 

The Villans are also struggling to recapture the magic of last season, which saw them secure a coveted Champions League spot. Their recent 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest has left them in 7th place in the Premier League, weighed down by the disappointment of a negative goal difference. To hold onto their Champions League dreams, the Villans need to rediscover their winning touch—and fast. With just two points separating them from Manchester City, Saturday’s clash at Villa Park is a golden opportunity to turn their season around. A victory not only boosts their position but could also inject much-needed momentum into their campaign. Can the Claret and Blue rise to the occasion and make a statement, or will their stuttering form continue? 

Aston Villa vs Manchester City – Match Date, Time and Venue    

Date: 21st December 2024                    

Time: 6:00 PM (IST)                

Stadium: Villa Park 

Location: Birmingham, England 

Aston Villa’s Possible Starting XI 

Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Cash, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins. 

Manchester City’s Possible Starting XI 

Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Lewis; Kovacic; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku; Haaland. 

Aston Villa vs Manchester City Fantasy Team 

Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez (Villa) 

Defenders: Josko Gvardiol (City), Lucas Digne (Villa), Rico Lewis (City) 

Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (City), John McGinn (Villa), Phil Foden (City), Youri Tielemans (Villa) 

Forwards: Erling Haaland (City), Ollie Watkins (Villa), Jhon Duran (Villa) 

Aston Villa vs Manchester City Fantasy Lineups

Aston Villa vs Manchester City – Fantasy Team Captain and Vice-Captain     

Choice 1: Erling Haaland (C), Ollie Watkins (VC)                  

Choice 2: Kevin De Bruyne (C), Jhon Duran (VC)               

Disclaimer:  

The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision.