BIRMINGHAM — When you say it out loud it sounds a bit wild but when you think about it, it really isn’t: Aston Villa should be Premier League title contenders next season. Even the most ardent Villa supporter may raise an eyebrow at that statement, but why?

Follow live coverage as Manchester City face Aston Villa today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.

The race for the top five is ferocious and after seeing how Manchester City played against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, I just think Aston Villa will be too dynamic for them. It depends on what team City boss Pep Guardiola picks, of course, but although they eventually beat Everton, they were very flat for most of the game.