Aston Villa - Sun 24th May, 16:00 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[Bournemouth Blue]

Despite the disappointments of the last 48 hours, I hope City fans turn out in droves, fill the North Stand expansion to pay tribute to Bernado, Johnny and Pep. They deserve the support.

 

[Ban-jani]

We’ve got an FA Cup and League Cup to celebrate and the chance to say goodbye to two of our best ever players and obviously the big one, saying goodbye to the greatest name in the club’s history.

Going to be a tear jerker. Don’t care about the result too much but be good to sign off with a win.

 

[decmancity]

It does.

Expectations are based in reality and last season we finished on 71 points and Rodri was injured. If you go from 71 points to 78-81 and you win 2 trophies, and you are dissatisfied then you need a rethink.

City have almost recovered. With 1-2 tweaks, this side could win the PL and CL. We are unbeaten in about 20 domestic matches. We've won 9 out of the last 11 games and drawn 2, The side that finished the season is better than the one that started it, and arguably we are better than Arsenal. We are top of the 2026 only Premier League table.

We didn't win the PL and got laughed at in the CL though. You can make any stats you like, reality is we didn't win the PL or CL. That is a disappointment for everyone and as I said the players look rightly annoyed by it, that isn't being entitled that is exactly what you want to see but some on here seem to think its entitled to be disappointed. Should they all be walking around smiling because they finished 2nd but won the FA cup so its alright, and we were once shit you know, so should be cautious of where we came from.

 

[Gumzy97]

In what world would this be a good idea ‍

Trophies have been won , second is secured, there's nothing left to play for in the league. It's just about giving some academy kids the experience of playing a Premier league game in front of the fans. You rarely get an opportunity to give them that experience but there nothing left to play for, why not give em a go and let them experience playing in front of the fans.

 

[VOOMER]

It does.

Expectations are based in reality and last season we finished on 71 points and Rodri was injured. If you go from 71 points to 78-81 and you win 2 trophies, and you are dissatisfied then you need a rethink.

City have almost recovered. With 1-2 tweaks, this side could win the PL and CL. We are unbeaten in about 20 domestic matches. We've won 9 out of the last 11 games and drawn 2, The side that finished the season is better than the one that started it, and arguably we are better than Arsenal. We are top of the 2026 only Premier League table.

We didn't win either of the trophies that really matter. If Palace win (as hopefully they do), then they will have won as many second tier trophies as we have in the last two seasons while selling their best defender.

 

[Ethan23]

You must be young, 2 trophies in a season is fantastic !

34, I just can't call a season where the club captain and the greatest manager to grace the human race leaving is a great season.

 

[Sam69]

This is a match where the fans should enjoy watching their team play; it's a match to win. The team, which has only lost one match since November in domestic competitions, must continue to hate defeat—an important mindset for next season, where we need to do better.

This isn't an exhibition match, so the strongest team, including Bernardo and Stones

 

[Big Joe Corrigan]

We are top of the 2026 only Premier League table.

Come on Marvin, let’s not be like the dippers.

 

[pride in battle]

34, I just can't call a season where the club captain and the greatest manager to grace the human race leaving is a great season.

Of course it is, players/managers come and go, it's what they do when they are here that counts ! Making history, and that's what they have done in bucketloads ! Enjoy it mate !!

 

[Worksop Blue]

Stones + Bernardo + 9 others (take your pick). Fill the stadium and show 'em our love! They've earned it.

 

[super_city_si]

Hope stones starts. Bernardo will. Sub them both off same time. Good mates.

 

[CC1]

I transferred my Villa ST to a F&F but they’ve not had the email from City to allow them to download it to their wallet. Anyone else having same problem- or is it done nearer to Sunday.

 

[decmancity]

I transferred my Villa ST to a F&F but they’ve not had the email from City to allow them to download it to their wallet. Anyone else having same problem- or is it done nearer to Sunday.

Also not had mine yet or appeared on my wallet.

 

[noseve]

Trophies have been won , second is secured, there's nothing left to play for in the league. It's just about giving some academy kids the experience of playing a Premier league game in front of the fans. You rarely get an opportunity to give them that experience but there nothing left to play for, why not give em a go and let them experience playing in front of the fans.

You have to remember that every match is somebody's first ever game.

There will be young lads and lasses seriously excited about going to see all the players they watch on TV, and parents and grandparents looking forward to that aspect of the day more than the match itself, after last night's result.

Also, if you play all the kids (actually, you may not have been the one to suggest this?) , that gives the PL genuine reason to accuse the club of disrespect. Mid-table teams could have done this for the last month - what a shambles that would have been.

A matter of integrity, I think.

 

[Gumzy97]

You have to remember that every match is somebody's first ever game.

There will be young lads and lasses seriously excited about going to see all the players they watch on TV, and parents and grandparents looking forward to that aspect of the day more than the match itself, after last night's result.

Also, if you play all the kids (actually, you may not have been the one to suggest this?) , that gives the PL genuine reason to accuse the club of disrespect. Mid-table teams could have done this for the last month - what a shambles that would have been.

A matter of integrity, I think.

I can understand that, I just thought it would be nice to reward a few young lads that beat the rags in the final, with their debuts with a full crowd. Hopefully at least a few make the bench, like if Haaland starts maybe take him off and reward Teddy Lamb with a first team appearance after the season he’s had.

 

[Lord Blue]

use all 5 subs

give the departing hero's some minutes

play to win

 

[Cityboy1972]

This will be a pre season friendly match tempo, infact we might play even slower than normal

 

[Blue Maverick]

This will be a pre season friendly match tempo, infact we might play even slower than normal

Christ I’ll never stay awake if we do that

 

[Xhavenjoe]

We didn't win either of the trophies that really matter. If Palace win (as hopefully they do), then they will have won as many second tier trophies as we have in the last two seasons while selling their best defender.

But we couldn't take part in one of those competitions and I don't regard the FA cup as a second tier trophy. Delighted to have won it.
Its the only competition in England that every team can compete in.

 

[Eaststander1]

Christ I’ll never stay awake if we do that

Well it didn't take all that much for some folk to nod off even before we get around to playing Villa .... I blame this over congested match schedule of ours, it's clearly worn the supporters out !