Prediction and odds for the game: Manchester City (1/6) vs Aston Villa (14/1)
We are backing Riyad Mahrez to be an anytime goalscorer at odds of 11/10
When: Sunday 22 May 2022, Kick-off 16:00
Where: The Etihad Stadium
On Sunday afternoon, Manchester City and Aston Villa go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium, in a vital game for the home team’s chances of winning the Premier League title.
Manchester City
The Citizens know that a win here will guarantee that they retain their Premier League crown. However, any other result would leave the door open for second-place Liverpool to swoop in at the last minute and claim the title, as Jurgen Klopp’s team trails City by just a point heading into matchday 38.
City are unbeaten in their last 11 matches in the English top-flight. However, a 2-2 draw at West Ham last time out ended a run of five straight league wins for the Citizens. The win over the Hammers did see the Citizens continue their lethal form in front of goal, though, as they have now scored at least two goals in their last eight league outings.
Manchester City has a strong recent home record in the Premier League, winning 11 of their last 13 league matches at the Etihad Stadium. The Citizens attacking prowess has been on full display in their recent home matches in the league, scoring at least two goals in nine of their last ten matches.
Manchester City could welcome back defensive duo Kyle Walker and John Stones, who have both returned to training after injury.
Aston Villa
The Villans could finish from anywhere between 10th and 14th place in the table. Steven Gerrard’s team has been highly inconsistent this season in the English top-flight. A 1-1 home draw against Burnley last time out means that the Villans have failed to win in three league matches. They have also won just two of their last ten games in the Premier League.
Villa’s recent away form in the English top-flight has been inconsistent. The men from the Midlands head into this clash on the back of winning in their last four league matches on their travels. A 3-1 win at Burnley in their last away game in the Premier League ended a three-game winless run on their travels.
City’s recent away games in the Premier League have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five league matches on their travels. That record is likely to continue this weekend.
Conclusion
There is massive pressure on Manchester City to get the victory they need to claim their third title in four years. We expect City to get the win and win the Premier League title. The home win offers no value, as always with City.
The first bet we are backing is Riyad Mahrez to be an anytime goalscorer, as the Algerian winger has scored five times in his last seven home games in the Premier League. The other bet we recommend is Manchester City half-time/full-time, as we believe the Citizens will be in control of this game from the off.
Our Tips: We are backing Riyad Mahrez to be an anytime goalscorer at odds of 11/10 and/or Manchester City half-time/full-time at odds of 4/6. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Will Manchester City get the victory they need to win the Premier League title?
