Aston Villa vs Manchester City prediction 24.10.2026 | Premier League

Aston Villa come into Saturday's contest in high spirits after claiming a comfortable 3:1 victory against Viking in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Ross Barkley and Emiliano Buendia were on target before an own goal put Unai Emery's side in complete control. Peter Christiansen grabbed a late consolation for the Norwegian visitors.

That result came four days after a hard-fought 1:0 victory at Newcastle. Johan Manzambi scored the only goal as Villa secured their first away league win of the campaign.

Emery's men are now unbeaten in three matches, having picked up a 2:2 draw against Brentford before the international break.

Villa have shown greater attacking quality in recent weeks. The hosts scored ten goals across their last four fixtures, finding the net at least twice on three occasions.

However, their defensive record remains a concern. Villa kept only one clean sheet in their previous five competitive matches.

Head coach Emery has several injury issues ahead of Saturday's contest. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Manzambi is also expected to miss out after picking up a knock.

Amadou Onana and Matteo Ruggeri are unlikely to feature, while Ian Maatsen will require a late fitness check.

Nicolas Jackson should return to the first XI after starting Wednesday's European victory on the bench.

Manchester City make the trip to Birmingham after cruising to a 5:1 Champions League victory against AEK Athens on Tuesday.

Phil Foden scored a hat-trick, while Elliott Anderson and Rayan Cherki also found the net in another impressive attacking display.

Enzo Maresca’s in-form side have now won seven successive matches in all competitions since a 4:2 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.

City also maintained their perfect Premier League start with a dramatic 3:2 victory against Ipswich last Saturday. Foden opened the scoring before Erling Haaland struck twice to settle a thrilling contest.

Despite the controversy surrounding their Premier League guilty verdict, City have made a perfect start to the campaign, winning all seven league fixtures while scoring 24 goals.

Clean sheets have been harder to come by in recent weeks. Both teams scored in each of City's last three fixtures, with Mareca's men conceding seven goals in that run.

Head coach Maresca has selection issues this weekend. Antoine Semenyo is unavailable with a knee injury while Nico O'Reilly, Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic and Iliman Ndiaye will be assessed after picking up knocks against Ipswich.

Top scorer Erling Haaland was rested in midweek after suffering a minor knock, but the Norwegian forward is expected to return at Villa Park. 

Jeremy Doku and Ruben Dias are also pushing for recalls.