- Guardiola prepares to select final Man City starting XI
- Villa arrive at the Etihad after European success
- Three players deserve places in emotional season finale
Pep Guardiola’s final Man City lineup should honour two departing greats and offer Phil Foden a timely show of faith.
Man City host Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium in their final Premier League fixture of the 2025/26 campaign.
The title race is already over after City’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth confirmed Arsenal as champions. Villa, on the other hand, arrive after winning the Europa League and securing Champions League football.
However, the fixture carries enormous emotional significance for Pep Guardiola. It will be the Catalan manager’s final game for the club alongside Bernardo Silva and John Stones.
Regardless, the Citizens still have a match to win against strong opposition as Guardiola might line up his strongest squad. Likewise, three players have compelling reasons to be named from the start.
John Stones must start in final Man City appearance
John Stones has already been guaranteed a memorable City farewell after the club unveiled a mosaic at the City Football Academy.
The artwork honours the defender’s goal-line clearance against Liverpool in 2019. However, the defender deserves more than a late cameo against Aston Villa.
He should be given one final opportunity to walk out as a starting Man City player. Stones came off the bench in City’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace before remaining unused in the FA Cup final victory against Chelsea.
Likewise, Stones also didn’t appear in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. Regardless, the recent lack of starts should not reduce his claim to a place against Villa.
It will be the final chance for City supporters to watch a player who was Guardiola’s second signing in a sky blue shirt.
Phil Foden deserves response after England omission
Phil Foden’s situation is different to that of Stones. However, his case to start remains strong following a great performance against Crystal Palace.
The Englishman made two assists as Man City scored three against the Eagles. He also created five chances during that game, the most of any player on the pitch.
Regardless, Foden was denied a spot in England’s World Cup squad. It’s the first time Foden has been dropped for a major international competition following his first inclusion.
Being named man of the match against Palace wasn’t enough to convince Tuchel of his consistency. Nevertheless, with Foden rediscovering his form, trusting him for the final match will give him a confidence boost.
Bernardo Silva cannot be left out of Man City farewell
The Stones logic also applies to Bernardo Silva, as the Portuguese international is set to depart Man City at the end of the season.
He has continued to play an important role for the Sky Blues, captaining the club throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
Guardiola won’t need to sacrifice competitiveness for sentiment as Bernardo remains a trusted midfielder whose replacement is yet to be found.
