Predicted Manchester City team to face Aston Villa: Fernandinho swansong expected in title showdown

Despite Manchester City’s tremendous form, Liverpool have clung to them all the way until the end. A win over West Ham United last week could have all but sealed the title for the Citizens.

However, West Ham managed to get the better of them for most of the game. Despite City having a chance to win it  from the penalty spot after coming from behind, the tie finished all square at 2-2.

Before that, City had been on a tremendous run. They won each of the last five league matches prior to the draw, notching a total of 22 goals during that run.

They have had a few players out including John Stones, Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias. However, manager Pep Guardiola revealed that Walker and Stones have returned to “partial training” and could therefore make the squad.

Crucially, Guardiola added that he “doesn’t think” Man City are plagued by any other problems when asked ahead of the pivotal fixture.

The final game of the season is also Fernandinho’s last with City, and his manager said he was “more than happy” to have met and worked with him. One final start may be in store for the Brazilian, given the injury problems the side has are mainly in the defence, where he is capable.

Ederson started in net. The centre-back positions were occupied by Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho.

Oleksandr Zinchenko played at left-back, with utility defender Joao Cancelo playing on the other side.

Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Bernardo Silva were the creative options in City’s midfield.

Up top, goalscorer Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez – who missed a penalty – flanked in-form Gabriel Jesus.

Guardiola will no doubt go for the best team he has available to him, given the stakes of the game. If City win, they will win the league, no matter of the Liverpool