Manchester City host Aston Villa tonight in battle for Champions League spots

Manchester City host Aston Villa tonight as the two sides face off in a match that will have consequences in the race for a top-five place, regardless of the result.

With five matches left to play, tonight will provide an opportunity for either side to openly declare their intentions as regards a much-coveted place to feature amongst European elites for next season.

City are currently fifth with 58 points and occupy the final place. Villa are seventh on 57 points, the same points as sixth-place Chelsea.

The stakes are very high and a win for either side will provide not just three points, but also the psychological advantage that comes with inflicting defeat to their rivals.

Manchester City have won their last 14 Premier League home games against Aston Villa, scoring at least twice in each of the last 13.

Their last defeat was in April 2007 under Stuart Pearce.

Villa have won two of their last three league games against Man City, as many as in their previous 23.

They’re looking to complete their first league double over the Citizens since 1962-63.

Across their 14 consecutive home Premier League wins against Aston Villa, Man City have trailed in just two games, going 1-0 down in May 2010 and 2-0 down in May 2022 before winning 3-1 and 3-2 respectively.

In Premier League history, only City themselves against Newcastle United (an ongoing run of 16) have won more consecutive home games against an opponent. City boss Pep Guardiola knows it won't be an easy match at all.

"They are a contender to qualify for the Champions League," he said in his pre-match press conference.

"It is a final and we need our people because I think our people want the Champions League next season again, and hopefully they can help us from the first minute," he added.

Aston Villa have won their last three away Premier League matches, keeping a clean sheet in each.

Their last longer away winning run was between November and February in 2008-09 (7), while they’ve never won four in a row without conceding in the top-flight.

"We are ready. Every player and every worker here at Aston Villa is so so focused in the moment we are," Villa boss Unai Emery said prior to the match.

"One of the contenders to be in the top four, five. They want to win the title, but this year has been more difficult for them. My respect for them is massive, like always," he offered.

The match kicks off at 10 pm local time at the Etihad Stadium.