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Manchester City are set to lock horns with Aston Villa in the Premier League on Tuesday, April 22, at the Etihad Stadium. With only five more league matches left, the reigning champions are desperate to confirm Champions League qualification.
Man City have had their share of slip-ups this season, along with their prevailing injury woes, which may result in their worst league finish since the late 2000s.
Following their elimination from the Champions League in February, Pep Guardiola stated that Man City's main objectives for the remainder of the season are to qualify for the competition next season and win the FA Cup.
Now, Guardiola's men will be facing Aston Villa, who recently missed out on a Champions League semi-final spot after a 5-4 loss on aggregate to PSG.
Aston Villa are currently seventh in the Premier League table and just a point behind City. Speaking ahead of Man City's clash, Guardiola hailed (comments via BBC Sport) the Villa's recent performances.
"They are a contender to qualify for the Champions League. You see the game they played against my friend Luis Enrique [PSG boss] - wow, I was really, really impressed. They can play low block and play away, but when they decide to go, with the weapons they have, the speed they have, the set-pieces, they are incredibly well organised," said Guardiola.
What did Pep Guardiola ask Man City fans ahead of clash against Aston Villa?
Guardiola referred to Man City's upcoming match against Aston Villa as 'final,' highlighting the importance of the match. The Catalan manager also asked fans to extend their support now more than ever.
"It is a final and we need our people because I think our people want the Champions League next season again and hopefully they can help us from the first minute. Sometimes we are sloppy, sometimes we are not playing good, now we need them desperately to support us, to make noise and be there all the time because it's absolutely a final for us," said Guardiola.
Following this Premier League match, Man City and Aston Villa may have a chance to meet in an actual final in the FA Cup.
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