Villarreal will be looking to pick up their win of the 2025-26 Champions League season when they welcome Manchester City to Estadi de la Ceramica on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Citizens can reach seven points from three matches with a win here, stretching their unbeaten streak across all competitions to nine matches.
Villarreal vs Manchester City Preview
Villarreal have had a bright start to the season domestically, currently sitting third in La Liga with 17 points, though it could have been more.
The Yellow Submarine lost a two-goal lead against Real Betis on Saturday, conceding a 94th-minute equaliser.
However, they will hope to take such form to the UCL, where they have just one point after a 1-0 loss to Tottenham and a 2-2 draw with Juventus, where they equalised late on.
Man City, on the other hand, started slowly in the Premier League, but they seem to have found their rhythm. The Citizens are on 16 points after a 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side opened their UCL campaign with a 2-0 win over Napoli, before drawing 2-2 with Monaco on match day two.
Don’t forget to check out for daily betting tips on BET OF THE DAY
Villarreal vs Manchester City head-to-head
There have been two meetings between these teams, and Man City ended up winning both during the 2011-12 UCL group stage.
However, the English side have often struggled away to Spanish teams in the UCL, winning just four in 14 attempts, while losing seven, and the Yellow Submarine have lost only one of their last 10 UCLmatches at home (6W, 3D).
Villarreal are without a win in their last eight UEFA competition matches against English teams (D3 L5), losing five in a row.
Villarreal vs Manchester City team news
Villarreal will head into the clash with a few injury concerns in their squad.
Centre-back Pau Cabanes remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained, while Argentine midfielder Luca Costa is also sidelined with a knee injury.
In addition, versatile defender Juan Foyth is ruled out due to a muscle injury, and former Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala is sidelined with a hamstrung injury.
Man City’s young defender Abdukodir Khusanov and wing back Rayan Ait Nouri are out with ankle issues, while Rodri is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
All eyes will be on Erling Haaland for City, as the Norwegian striker will be looking to add to his 36 UCL goals, which he scored in 32 matches.
Villarreal vs Manchester City probable lineups
Villarreal: Tenas; Alfonso, Veiga, Marin, Cardona; Buchanan, Comesana, Parejo, Moleiro; Mikautadze, Pepe
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez; Bernardo, Foden, Reijnders, Doku; Haaland
Villarreal vs Manchester City prediction and betting tips
While City are favourites for this clash, they have a poor recent record on the road in the UCL, with no wins in their last five away matches (1D, 4L). This opens a window for Villarreal, who have been solid this season and are desperate for a win in this UCL campaign.
Prediction: Villarreal 2-2 Manchester City
Betting tips
