An exhilarating finish to the Premier League season is in store today (Sunday) as Manchester City dream about clinching another title on Sunday afternoon (4pm). Pep Guardiola and his star-studded team have won three of the last four English crowns and remain in pole position to make it four in five.
Of course, second-placed rivals Liverpool still harbour hopes of lifting the big one this afternoon as they aim to keep their unprecedented push for a quadruple alive. However, the equation is rather simple for City with top-four and relegation matters also to be determined on the final day.
Indeed, the champions will defend their title with victory over Aston Villa or if they equal or better the Liverpool result. Here is how three pundits see the Etihad Stadium contest playing out on Sunday afternoon.
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Mark Lawrenson - BBC Sport
Sharing his predictions with BBC Sport for the final time, Lawrenson said: "We've seen over the past few weeks how good Manchester City and Liverpool are when they go behind in games, not just when they are bossing them and in front. City have lost once in the Premier League since the end of October.
"That's how good they are. It's a similar story with Liverpool, too. Both teams are miles ahead of everyone else."
Score prediction: Man City 3-0 Aston Villa
Paul Merson - Sportskeeda
Speaking to Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal and England playmaker added: "I've been involved with the beautiful game for far too long to think of this as a foregone conclusion, but I genuinely don't think Villa will have enough to beat Manchester City. Guardiola and his players shouldn't have taken it until the last day, but they are still in control of their own destiny and should get the job done.
"That said, City have also been guilty of leaving themselves open at the back in recent weeks. Villa have the likes of Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings and Philippe Coutinho, who are all dangerous players in their own right. City will have to bide their time and stay patient, like they did against Leicester City in 2019 when Vincent Kompany scored a worldie goal to effectively win his team the title.
"This has been an incredible season and in football, you never quite know what's going to happen. Do we have one more twist and turn in store as yet another Premier League season draws to a dramatic climax? Only time will tell."
Score prediction: Man City 2-0 Aston Villa
Michael Owen - BetVictor
Writing in his latest BetVictor column, Owen continued: "City could have wrapped the title up against West Ham last weekend — but I don't think they will be left to regret Riyad Mahrez's missed penalty. City are usually so strong at home and, with the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva in good form, I can't see them not winning.
"Villa have a lot of quality in attacking areas and should cause City a few problems here. I worry about them at the back, though, so I can see City scoring a few.
"I don't see City slipping up here. They hardly ever drop points at home. I think they'll win this by a few goals."
Score prediction: Man City 3-1 Aston Villa
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