Overview

• Manchester City, currently fifth with 58 points, face seventh-placed Aston Villa, who trail by just one point, in a match Guardiola has labeled a 'final.'
• Villa, under Unai Emery, are in exceptional form, having won five consecutive league games, including a dominant 4-1 victory over Newcastle.
• City will be without key players Ederson and Erling Haaland due to injuries, adding pressure to Guardiola's squad as they aim to secure a top-five finish.
• The Premier League's UEFA coefficient guarantees five Champions League spots for next season, intensifying the competition among five teams separated by just three points.
• A win for either side could significantly bolster their chances of Champions League qualification, with only five matches remaining in the season.