Six players who could play their final Man City match tomorrow against Aston Villa

A number of Manchester City players could be set to make their last appearance for the club

Manchester City are set to enter a new era next season as Pep Guardiola prepares to end his reign. The final game of the season against Aston Villa will mark the end of an unforgettable chapter in the club’s history.

During his decade in charge, Guardiola has steered City to six Premier League titles and many other major honours. He led the club to Champions League glory in 2023 as part of a historic treble and also clinched the FA Cup and League Cup this term.

While much attention will be paid to Guardiola’s farewell in the dugout, there will also be changes made to the squad this summer. Here's a look at the players who could make their final City appearance against Villa on Sunday.

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Bernardo Silva

One of two confirmed departures, Bernardo Silva is set to leave City at the end of his contract. The 31-year-old captain can make his 460th appearance for the club on the final day of the season and recently paid tribute to Guardiola after winning the FA Cup.

"He changed the way I see football. 80 per cent of my career was with him as my manager," Bernardo told BBC Sport. "All the things I hoped to achieve were with him. The relationship we have got is very strong with the frustrations and the achievements."

When asked about Guardiola possibly leaving the club, he said: "I care a lot about Man City. That's his decision. It is not for me to comment on that. I wish all the best. I enjoy being with him having shared all these moments together."

John Stones

Another of City’s long-serving players, John Stones is set to find a new club after spending a decade at the Etihad Stadium. The defender joined from Everton during Guardiola’s first transfer window and has been pivotal to the club’s success.

The 31-year-old can play his 295th game for City as the team prepare to face Villa. The England international has been limited to 17 appearances across all competitions this term.

Omar Marmoush

Omar Marmoush made an immediate impact after arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt midway through last season but has struggled to reach those heights in his second campaign. The Egypt international has scored eight in 36 games for Guardiola’s side this term.

He has featured in City’s last four league games, coming off the bench on three occasions. While Marmoush can be a valuable squad option, the Blues may be tempted to cash in on the 27-year-old.

Mateo Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic has been limited to eight appearances after recently returning from injury. The 32-year-old has been sidelined for most of the campaign but made his first league start of the season against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

The Croatian star played a key role in his first two seasons at the club after joining from Chelsea in 2023. However, he is set to enter the final year of his contract and this summer represents one of the club's last opportunities to receive a fee for the midfielder.

Rodri

Rodri’s importance to City’s success in recent years cannot be overstated. The defensive midfielder won the Ballon d'Or two years ago and has formed a crucial part of Guardiola’s team.

The 29-year-old recently returned from injury and has featured in 21 league games so far this season. However, like Kovacic, he is set to enter the last 12 months of his deal and has been linked with Real Madrid ahead of the summer.

Nathan Ake

Nathan Ake has fallen down the pecking order at City this season, with Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov forming an impressive centre-back partnership. The 31-year-old has been with the Blues since signing from Bournemouth in 2020.

The Dutchman has featured 31 times this season but has made only five league starts. The versatile defender’s contract runs until 2027 and Guardiola recently pushed for him to remain at the Etihad.

“One more year, right? I wish he stays with us, but I don’t know what is going to happen,” the City boss said of Ake.

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