Villarreal vs Manchester City prediction 21.10.2025 | UEFA Champions League

Villarreal come into Tuesday's UCL encounter after an entertaining 2:2 draw against Real Betis on Saturday. Despite taking a two-goal lead, a brace from Antony denied the Yellow Submarine a first win in three matches. 

A strong run of form has seen the home side win three and lose just one of their last six matches - a 3-1 reversal at Real Madrid earlier this month.

Frequently involved in high-scoring fixtures, both this season and in recent years, five of Villarreal's last six games finished with BTTS and over 2.5 goals scored.

Head coach Marcelino has some injury issues to deal with this week. Logan Costa, Willy Kambwala and Pau Cabanes are all out with long-term injuries, while Juan Foyth is also expected to miss out. Santiago Mourino returns from suspension to boost Marcelino’s defensive options this week.

Manchester City make the trip to Spain after extending their unbeaten run to eight games with a well-deserved 2:0 win against  Everton on Saturday. Erling Haaland was again the hero with the Norwegian bagging twice at the Etihad. 

The in-form forward has now scored in each of his last appearances for club and country. Remarkably, Haaland bagged 18 goals in those 11 games.

While defensively more solid in recent outings, City have shown some vulnerabilities on their travels this season. City have seen both teams score in three of their last five away games, including a 2:2 draw at Monaco earlier this month.

Head coach Guardiola has two confirmed absentees this week. Abdukodir Khusanov remains sidelined while Rodri is still out with a hamstring issue. Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Aït-Nouri are fit and available for selection.