Manchester City, led by Enzo Mareska, will visit a resurgent Aston Villa as they both vie for supremacy in the Premier League. The match kicks off on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
The Cityzens have enjoyed a phenomenal start, winning all seven of their opening fixtures. However, their impressive streak faces a stern test against the Villans, who have also hit their stride under Unai Emery, securing victories in four of their last five matches.
Team News
Aston Villa
Unai Emery faces significant challenges with squad selection ahead of the clash with the league leaders. The club will be without key midfielder Amadou Onana for the entire season following a severe knee injury suffered during the 2026 World Cup.
Summer signing Matteo Ruggeri is also sidelined with a thigh issue, alongside defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. There are doubts over the fitness of Johan Mansambi and Modou Sisse, who are both recovering from minor injuries.
Manchester City
Enzo Mareska's side is grappling with their own injury worries after a flawless start. Winger Antoine Semenyo is out due to a knee injury sustained in the match against Ipswich Town and won't return until December.
Furthermore, the coaching staff await medical assessments on Mateo Kovacic, Nico O'Reilly, and Mateus Nunes, who must all pass fitness tests to be considered for this critical encounter.
Projected Starting XIs
Aston Villa's predicted lineup (XI):
Zion Suzuki (GK), Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen, Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes, Ross Barkley, John McGinn, Emiliano Buendia, Nicolas Jackson.
Manchester City's predicted lineup (XI):
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Josko Gvardiol, Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias, Mateus Nunes, Enzo Fernandez, Anderson, Jeremy Doku, Ryan Cherki, Iliman Ndiaye, Erling Haaland.
