Yaya Toure
Toure and Dzeko are likely to feature on the list of summer departures following disappointing individual seasons Getty Images

Manchester City host Aston Villa at the Etihad on 25 April, in a game that can decide fortunes at both ends of the table.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 5.30pm BST. Live coverage of the game will be on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD.

Overview

Manchester City come into the game currently seven points ahead of Liverpool having played a game more.

Manuel Pellegrini's men have had to endure a sorry run of form in the league, losing against Burnley and Manchester United in quick succession, which saw them lose out on their top two spot and struggle for a place in the top four.

The likes of Yaya Toure and company have flattered to deceive and the reigning Champions are likely to spend heavily in the summer to completely re-engineer their squad, with a lot of players likely to make their way out.

However, the Citizens have to take care of more pressing matters at hand, not least their qualification into the top four, failing which will make the task of attracting top quality players all the more difficult.

Meanwhile, Villa will be coming into the game basking in the glory of their FA Cup triumph against Liverpool, where Fabian Delph's goal saw them through to the finals where they will face Arsenal at Wembley.

Tim Sherwood's arrival has completely transformed the club and the former Tottenham manager will have his sights set on handling City a death knell, which will all but extinguish any hope of Pellegrini retaining his position at the helm in Manchester.

What Managers Say

Manuel Pellegrini: "Yaya is the captain at the moment. I always trust in Yaya and he is a very important player for us. I always defend Yaya because you are always thinking about him. If he didn't play well why you were asking why I didn't give him a rest. After that he was so important that when he went to the Africa Cup of Nations it was impossible for our team to win without him. Yaya is a great player and very involved in our project. Every player has bad and good moments but in this moment he deserves to be captain."

Tim Sherwood: "We certainly have the belief we can go to Man City and get something. There's an expectancy among our supporters now. We felt that at Wembley. They felt we could go there and get something and we did - and we deserved to. We have a lot of confidence from that. I am telling the boys not to be scared and get on the football in tough areas of the field - receive the ball and play. It's 11 v 11. We will have to play exceptionally well. If we do, I think we can get something there. The win at Wembley gives us a boost. It comes on the back of a good win at Tottenham too. That's two wins and two good performances. We're looking to emulate that."

Betting Odds (By 888Sport)

  • Manchester City Win:1/4
  • Draw: 91/17
  • Aston Villa Win: 11/1

Team News

Manchester City

Possible XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov; Fernando, Fernandinho; Silva, Toure, Navas; Aguero

Aston Villa

Possible XI: Guzan; Bacuna, Okore, Vlaar, Richardson; Westwood, Delph, Cleverley; N'Zogbia, Sinclair, Benteke

Manchester City FC