Overview
- The match is scheduled for 4pm BST on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Etihad and carries little competitive consequence because both clubs have already qualified for next season’s Champions League.
- Aston Villa travel fresh from winning the UEFA Europa League and may rest key players after the midweek final, with deputy goalkeeper Marco Bizot likely to start because Emiliano Martínez suffered a finger injury in the warm‑up but played on in the final.
- Manchester City have no new injury concerns and are expected to rotate their squad, with recent returns from Rodri and Josko Gvardiol making broader selection possible for manager Pep Guardiola.
- Bernardo Silva and John Stones are widely expected to make farewell appearances at the Etihad, giving the game a ceremonial tone for long‑serving players.
- Unverified media speculation suggests this could be Guardiola’s last match at City despite his contract running until 2027, a claim that remains unconfirmed by the club or the manager.