- Aston Villa travel to the Etihad on Sunday to face Manchester City in the final day of the 2025/26 Premier League season
- The referee for the fixture is Andy Madley
- Both teams go into the match with nothing to play for
Aston Villa will be glad to enter their final match of the Premier League season against Manchester City with zero pressure on getting a result. After Thursday’s Europa League win and the confirmation of a top-five finish, the Villans have achieved the objectives they set out at the start of the campaign.
Meanwhile, for City, their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday means the Premier League title is out of their reach, with Arsenal the champions. This creates a match with the result having no bearing on where they can finish the season.
However, Sunday’s fixture will be Pep Guardiola’s final game as manager of the club, which may give them something to play for, so he can end his ten-year tenure on a high.
For Unai Emery’s side, many of the players who featured in the Europa League final on Thursday will be on the beach, with their focus firmly on preparations for the World Cup. A heavily rotated side will be expected, as their European celebrations continue.
In the reverse fixture between the two sides, it was Villa who came out on top. Matty Cash’s powerful strike from just outside the box was the only goal in the match, as the home side managed to hold on to all three points.
Let’s take a look at the match officials for Manchester City vs Aston Villa.
Who is the referee for Manchester City vs Aston Villa?
Andy Madley has been appointed referee for Manchester City vs Aston Villa. He has officiated three times for Villa this season in the Premier League, with two wins and one draw.
The first came in September at Villa Park, where the Villans beat Fulham 3-1. It was their first league win of the season, after they scored two goals in two minutes just after half-time.
Madley then refereed Villa’s 4-3 comeback against Brighton in December. Despite being two goals down, Ollie Watkins ended his goal drought with a double before Amadou Onana and Donyell Malen secured the three points.
Finally, Madley was the match official for the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Andy Madley record against Manchester City
| Matches | Man City wins | Draws | Man City defeats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 12 | 2 | 2 |
Andy Madley record against Aston Villa
| Matches | Villa wins | Draws | Villa defeats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 13 | 7 | 7 |
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Madley’s assistants will be Richard West and Simon Long, with David Webb the fourth official.
At Stockley Park, Tim Wood will be on VAR duty, alongside Jarred Gillett as his assistant.
