Good evening and welcome to LIVE coverage of Manchester City versus Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium. Manuel Pellegrini's side can go two points clear at the top with a victory. A draw would move them level with Liverpool but their superior goal difference would mean they would only really need to better or match the Reds' result on the last day to be crowned champions. A shock defeat would hand the initiative back to Brendan Rodgers' men.
Premier League / Matchday 29
Etihad Stadium / 07.05.2014
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/match/football-header-bg-mobile.jpg)
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/sport/football/club/logo/300/4222.png){kind=logo}
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/sport/football/club/logo/300/4010.png){kind=logo}
- E. Dzeko(64', 72')
- S. Jovetic(89')
- Y. Touré(90+3')
Live
Live Updates
:focal(147x151:149x149)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2015/03/26/1443759-30872147-310-310.jpg)
Updated 07/05/2014 at 20:53 GMT
55'
Free kick in Yaya territory for City as Delph takes out Silva.
54'
Milner stays onside and runs onto Zabaleta's pass but his cross from the right of the area is miscued. More frustration for that home crowd.
53'
More City pressure...Zabaleta's cross is over everyone's head but Kolarov picks it up, plays a one-two and forces Villa to panic before they manage to hack it away.
52'
The visitors clear but the header back in finds Kompany who sees his acrobatic volley saved by Guzan.
51'
City tapping on the door... Corner kick.
51'
A sudden Villa lapse at the back sees Toure's lofted pass send Dzeko racing clear but the striker can't control and the chance to rampage in on goal goes begging.
50'
Superb defending once more by Aston Villa. They may be safe but they have dug in and frustrated City so far.
49'
Toure fouled by Clark. Free kick on the right side of the area to City. It's a dangerous position.
48'
A very bright start by City as Villa find themselves under immediate pressure.
48'
First half stats.
47'
PHOTO: Villa have battled manfully thus far with Matthew Lowton epitomising their spirit.
46'
KICK OFF! City restart the contest looking for the goal that would move them two points clear at the top.
45+4'
HT: City 0-0 Villa. The hosts have had a couple of chances but not done enough to truly open Villa up. As it stands City will go top on goal difference.
45+3'
No doubt a huge sigh of relief on Merseyside after that Nasri miss as the referee blows for half time.
45+2'
BIG MISS! Patient play down the right eventually sees Milner cross to the near post for Nasri, but the Frenchman spoons it wide with Silva better placed just behind him. Let off for the visitors.
45+1'
Three minutes added. You feel it's important for Villa to go in level if they are to have a chance tonight.
45'
Low ball in from Zabaleta is hacked away from Dzeko by Baker.
44'
City patiently switching the play from side to side but when they do get in down the flank the Villa defence has held firm so far.
43'
Six of Aston Villa’s last seven Premier League goals have come before half-time... but it's hard to see them continuing that trend tonight.
42'
It's pretty much everyone behind the ball for Villa as City probe late in the half. Are we going to get that opener before the break?
41'
Villa's win against Hull at the weekend was their first in seven games. They have picked up just two points from their last seven away games, and have lost the last four.