Match Overview

The 2025/26 Matchday 3 fixture between Villarreal (Spain) and Manchester City (England) is set to take place on October 21 at the Estadio de la Cerámica. This article provides a detailed preview, prediction, betting odds, and statistics for the Villarreal vs Manchester City encounter.

Villarreal’s Current Form

The Valencian side has managed to collect just 1 point so far, placing them 26th in the overall standings. In their opening match, the team suffered a 0-1 away defeat to Tottenham, followed by a 2-2 home draw against Juventus in their second game. The Spanish club has now gone five consecutive matches in this European competition without a win, recording 2 draws and 3 losses.

• Villarreal has failed to win in their last 8 encounters with Premier League representatives, resulting in 3 draws and 5 defeats.
• At home in this tournament, the Spanish team has secured only 2 victories in their last 11 matches (3 draws and 6 losses).
• The Valencians have conceded at least two goals in 8 of their last 11 home Champions League matches.

Villarreal Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Luis Junior – Rafa Marin, Sergi Cardona, Santiago Mouriño, Renato Veiga – Daniel Parejo, Santi Comesana, Pape Gueye, Tajon Buchanan – Georges Mikautadze, Nicolas Pepe.

Defenders Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, Willy Kambwala, and forward Pau Cabanes are sidelined due to injuries.

Manchester City’s Campaign So Far

The Manchester club remains undefeated with 4 points, currently occupying the eighth spot in the overall stage. They began their tournament campaign with a 2-0 home victory over Napoli, then drew 2-2 away to Monaco in their second match. Pep Guardiola’s squad could have secured more points against the Monegasques, but conceded a late penalty goal after the 90th minute. It’s also worth noting that in their last 9 Champions League matches, the “Citizens” have achieved only 2 wins (2 draws and 5 losses).

• Both teams scored in 7 of Manchester City’s last 9 matches in this European competition.
• The English side has won 5 of their last 6 clashes against Spanish clubs in the group stage.
• The “Citizens” are on a 5-match winless streak away from home in the Champions League (1 draw and 4 losses).

Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1)

Gianluigi Donnarumma – Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly – Nico Gonzalez – Tijjani Reijnders, Oscar Bobb, Savio, Phil Foden – Erling Haaland.

Midfielder Rodri Hernandez is currently unavailable due to injury. Defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Rayan Aït-Nouri are also doubtful for the match due to injuries.

Match Official

Serdar Gözübüyük (Netherlands)

Matches officiated – 13 (International fixtures, 2024/25-2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 69;

Average yellow cards per match – 5.3;

Red cards shown – 3;

Average fouls per match – 26;

Penalties awarded – 46%.

Villarreal vs Manchester City Match Prediction

Manchester City has a strong opportunity to break their 5-match winless streak in away fixtures in this European competition. Villarreal’s performance in this tournament has been subpar, with only 2 victories in their last 11 home matches. Moreover, Villarreal frequently concedes two or more goals even on their home turf in the Champions League. Such a vulnerable defense will likely struggle to contain Erling Haaland, who has already scored 36 goals in 32 group stage matches in this tournament.

It’s also worth noting that over the past 15 years, Villarreal has played 3 home matches against English opponents in the Champions League and lost all of them, conceding at least two goals in each. Notably, in the 2011/12 season, Manchester City triumphed 3-0 at this very stadium. Therefore, in this confrontation, I favor the visitors.

My prediction is a “Manchester City Win”.

Author: Олександр Олексенко