Overview

• Manchester City sits one point ahead of Aston Villa in the Premier League standings, with both teams competing for a top-five finish to secure Champions League qualification.
• Pep Guardiola has labeled the match against Villa at the Etihad Stadium as a 'final,' urging fans to create a charged atmosphere from the first minute.
• Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, has won 11 of their last 13 matches, showcasing tactical versatility and strong form following their Champions League quarter-final exit to PSG.
• Nottingham Forest's recent 2-1 victory over Tottenham has propelled them into third place, adding pressure on Manchester City, Villa, Newcastle, and Chelsea in the crowded race.
• With Liverpool and Arsenal already securing Champions League spots, the competition for the remaining three berths is expected to intensify over the final weeks of the season.