After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title, Manchester City will conclude their 2025-26 campaign with an emotional final-day clash against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The fixture will mark the end of an extraordinary era as Pep Guardiola officially takes charge of his final game as Manchester City manager following confirmation of his departure after 10 hugely successful years at the club.
City’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday mathematically handed the Premier League title to Arsenal, meaning Guardiola will finish consecutive seasons without a league crown for the first time in his managerial career. Despite that disappointment, the Spaniard still guided the Citizens to both the FA Cup and EFL Cup this season, while also securing a runners-up finish in the league.
Sunday’s encounter will be Guardiola’s 593rd and final match in charge, officially making him the longest-serving manager in Manchester City history. During his remarkable tenure, Guardiola delivered 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, while establishing one of the most dominant eras English football has ever witnessed.
The club are also set to debut their new 2026-27 home kit during the farewell fixture, adding further emotion to a historic afternoon at the Etihad as revealed on their official X handle.
Manchester City enter the contest unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League matches and boast a superb home record against Villa, winning 19 of their last 20 league meetings at the Etihad.
However, Aston Villa arrive full of confidence after claiming the UEFA Europa League title with a commanding 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in Istanbul. Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers sealed Villa’s first European trophy in 44 years and continued Unai Emery’s remarkable love affair with the Europa League.
Villa had already secured Champions League qualification through their league position after defeating Liverpool last week, meaning there is little pressure on Emery’s side heading into the season finale.
Still, Villa have won three of their last five meetings against City and will hope to spoil Guardiola’s farewell by completing a rare league double over the champions.
Team News
Manchester City will bid farewell to Bernardo Silva and John Stones alongside Guardiola, with both players expected to feature. Phil Foden could return to the starting lineup, while Erling Haaland enters the match chasing another personal milestone as he looks to surpass 30 Premier League goals for the season.
Aston Villa remain without Boubacar Kamara and Alysson through injury, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez faces a late fitness assessment after playing the Europa League final with a broken finger.
Unai Emery may rotate his side following Thursday’s trophy parade, with Tammy Abraham, Leon Bailey, Douglas Luiz and Tyrone Mings all pushing for starts.
Possible Lineups
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Trafford: Nunes, Stones, Ake, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, Bernardo; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Marmoush
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Bizot; Bogarde, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen; Luiz, Onana; Bailey, Rogers, Sancho; Abraham
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport MaXimo 1 |
| Live Stream | DSTV Stream |
| Kick-off Time | 16:00 (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa.
With emotions expected to dominate Guardiola’s farewell and Villa potentially rotating after their European celebrations, Manchester City may have enough quality to finish the season with one final home victory.
