EPL's third and fourth sides do battle this midweek as Pep Guardiola takes on Unai Emery's VillansManchester City host Aston Villa on Wednesday in a battle between two members of the Premier League's top four. The defending champions took a point against Arsenal over the weekend as Unai Emery's UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinalists beat Wolverhampton Wanderers. City had not gone goalless since the 2021-22 season and their last goalless game at Etihad Stadium came back in late 2021. Pep Guardiola's men are one point behind the Gunners who face Luton Town but Liverpool are three clear of the EPL titleholders who last lost against Villa before their 23-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Moussa Diaby scored in the win over Wolves with Ezri Konsa also netting while Leon Bailey could also join the France international in attack again if Ollie Watkins continues to struggle with injury. Emery's Villa remain in the lead for a UEFA Champions League place though although Tottenham Hotspur have a game in hand despote being three points adrift. Fifth could yet be enough for a UCL place but an unbeaten run on the road in 2024 is helping them to maintain their push for the top four. Last time the Birmingham giants lost away came in Manchester against United and 13 consecutive defeats at City suggests that this one will be tough. Here's our storylines, how you can watch the match and more: How to watch and odds Date: Wednesday, April 3 | Time: 3:15 p.m. ET Location: Etihad Stadium -- Manchester, England Watch: Peacock Premium Odds: City -350; Draw +500; Villa +800 Team news City: Nathan Ake came off against Arsenal while Ederson and Kyle Walker both missed out. John Stones was a substitute but is not yet 100% so probably will not start. Rico Lewis should come in for Ake while Jeremy Doku and former Villa man Jack Grealish could also feature. Potential City XI: Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Doku, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland. Villa: Watkins was replaced by Jhon Duran against Wolves because of a hamstring injury so Emery is waiting on the England man's scan results. But he already knows that Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia and Matty Cash are out injured while John McGinn is banned. Jacob Ramsey has an outside shot of making the XI but expect Duran to partner Diaby and possibly Bailey against City. Potential Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Bailey, Luiz, Tielemans, Rogers; Diaby, Duran. Prediction This one might be closer than expected but should ultimately go with the form book. A point or better would be impressive for Villa but City should just about have too much given the expected absentees on both sides. Pick: City 2, Villa 1. Manchester City resume their defense of the English Premier League title on Wednesday with a potentially tricky test against top-four chasing Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. City were left frustrated after a goalless draw against rivals Arsenal at the weekend, and come into this match trailing league leaders Liverpool by 3 points. With fifth-placed Spurs having dropped points in their London derby with West Ham yesterday, Villa could extend their hold on fourth spot with a big win here. While that may seem like a tall order against a City side in the hunt for the title, Villa beat City 1-0 in the reverse fixture back in December and could do a first league double against them since 1963. Below, we'll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game live, wherever you are in the world.
