Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Fri 22 May 2026 18:10, UK

Manchester City host Aston Villa on Sunday, as another season of Premier League football draws to a close.

Sunday is set to be a day of great significance for both sides, despite neither having anything but pride to play for.

Just days after winning the Europa League in Istanbul, Unai Emery’s side and the travelling Villans will have a day to remember, as they call themselves silverware holders for the first time in 30 years.

For City, the clash offers the final chance to say goodbye to Pep Guardiola, who is set to leave the club after spending 10 years at the helm – winning everything there is to be won.

Ahead of the clash, Opta’s supercomputer has made its prediction for one final time this season.

Supercomputer gives verdict as Man City and Villa see out successful campaigns

With Arsenal crowned champions this week, Guardiola would ultimately miss out on the Premier League title in his final season.

However, his side have lifted both the Carabao and FA Cups, while Villa added their first trophy in three decades on Wednesday.

Handed a 12.3 per cent chance of taking all three points, Villa have registered the smallest likelihood of the campaign – somewhat understandably given the circumstances of the week.

The Villans have experienced the Etihad on the final day of the season before, having handed them the 2022 league title as a result of a 3-2 defeat.

This time, it won’t be that, with Arsenal’s status as league winners confirmed as a result of City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.

The Manchester side are tipped to take all three points on Sunday, with a sizeable 71.4 per cent chance, though you get the feeling that the travelling contingent may not be worried all too much about the result.

What is Aston Villa’s record away at Manchester City?

Against Sunday’s opponents, Villa’s record is far from favourable.

At home, they have held the upper hand in recent years, winning all three meetings since Emery’s arrival, while the sides also played out a 1-1 draw under Steven Gerrard that same season.

However, it is a completely different story on the road, with Manchester City winning 19 of the last 20 meetings, Villa’s only victory in that run coming back in 2007.

Alongside this, the pair carry contrasting records on the final day of the season.

Under Guardiola, the Citizens have won eight of their nine matches on the final day, with the 2023 defeat to Brentford the only time City have lost.

Villa, on the other hand, have lost their final game of the season more times than any other side in Premier League history, with 16 defeats to their name.

Looking to make it six wins in a row to end the season, Manchester City are the clear favourites on Guardiola’s swansong.

But after seeing Villa lift the Europa League this week, you get the feeling the travelling Villa faithful will not care too much, on what is set to be a roasting bank holiday weekend.