Stones and Walker returns boost City for final-day decider

• A win against Aston Villa will guarantee Guardiola’s men a fourth title in five years


Manchester City will have defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker back fit for tomorrow’s decisive Premier League clash against Aston Villa. Pep Guardiola’s men know that a win at the Etihad will guarantee a fourth league title in five years.
Stones has been absent since limping off in the first leg of City’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, while Walker’s departure helped turn the tie in the Spanish side’s favour late on in the second leg. Both were badly missed as West Ham took a 2-0 lead against City last weekend before the defending champions recovered to draw 2-2.
Guardiola has also been without centre-back Ruben Dias recently, forcing him to field 37-year-old Fernandinho out of position in the heart of the defence. “We have incredible doctors and physios and they have made incredible recoveries,” Guardiola said yesterday. “It is good to have them back.”
City lead Liverpool by a point at the top of the table after another titanic title race between the two teams. But while the Reds remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple of trophies, City need the title to prevent just the second trophyless campaign of Guardiola’s 13-season career as a coach.
“We know what we are playing for,” he said. “We know what we have to do, we’ve spoken about it — be positive and don’t give up. Do what you’ve done in the last month, home and away, and go for it. At the end it’s just a football game. We are not going to do anything new.”
City have been dominant domestically in the Guardiola era but have failed to win the Champions League. Guardiola, though, reiterated his belief that winning a league title over 38 games is a greater achievement that conquering Europe.
“I would say because it’s more difficult,” he said. “More difficulties with a lot of weeks, a lot of games. Struggles with injuries with good moments, bad moments with different situations with a tough opponent (Liverpool).”
“The success is being there (in the mix) in the last few years. Liverpool were unstoppable that year (2019-20) and we were not good enough. The rest we were there (in contention).
“When you fight for the Premier League it gives the sense you enjoy the locker room. We are happier in our lives when you win and win, it makes a good environment for training. It’s not just one single game like the FA Cup... it’s more (about competing) every day, it’s nice.”
Guardiola said his side would approach Sunday’s match just like a “normal Premier League game” as he looks to maintain his perfect winning record against Villa. “Anxious, nervous? No way,” Guardiola said.
“If we concede or struggle, come on, try again, continue and do it. It’s the best way to approach this kind of situation. Not ‘what happens if we lose?’”