Mansion Sports – The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League continues with another high-profile fixture that promises drama, intensity, and world-class football. 

This time, Villarreal will face off against Manchester City in the third matchday of the group stage.

The match will be played at the Estadio de la Cerámica, Spain, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 20:00 local time. 

This game holds significant importance for both sides — Villarreal are searching for their first victory in this season’s Champions League, while Manchester City arrive with a mission to end their five-match winless run in European away fixtures.

With Marcelino García Toral and Pep Guardiola, two tactically astute managers, set to clash, this encounter is expected to be a chess match on the touchline as much as a battle on the pitch. Before kickoff, here is Mansion Sports’ prediction for the Villarreal vs Manchester City 2025 lineups.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Villarreal

Villarreal enter this crucial home fixture still struggling to find their rhythm in Europe. After suffering a narrow 0-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their opening match, they managed only a 2-2 draw against Juventus in the second group-stage game. 

A dramatic late goal from Renato Veiga in the 90th minute salvaged a point for The Yellow Submarine, marking their first of the campaign.

Despite that draw, the result failed to lift the cloud of inconsistency surrounding the team. Villarreal have failed to win their last three matches across all competitions, including a 1-3 loss to Real Madrid and a 2-2 draw with Real Betis in La Liga.

Historically, Villarreal have also struggled against English clubs. They have not won in their last eight encounters with Premier League sides, which includes two defeats to Manchester City in the 2011/2012 Champions League group stage — losing 1-2 at home and 0-3 away.

Injury issues continue to trouble Marcelino, particularly in defense. Key defenders Logan Costa, Willy Kambwala, and Juan Foyth remain sidelined, while young striker Pau Cabanes is still recovering from a long-term ACL injury. 

The good news, however, is that right-back Santiago Mourino is available again after serving a domestic suspension.

Given these circumstances, Marcelino is expected to rely heavily on Nicolas Pépé’s pace on the flank and Georges Mikautadze’s sharpness in attack to challenge City’s backline.

Manchester City

Manchester City arrive in Spain full of confidence after maintaining their strong domestic form in the Premier League. 

Despite being held to a 2-2 draw by AS Monaco in their second Champions League outing, they remain top of the group thanks to an earlier 2-0 victory over Napoli.

A late penalty by Eric Dier denied City the win against Monaco, extending their five-match winless streak away from home in the Champions League. 

During that period, they have suffered four straight defeats to Real Madrid, PSG, Juventus, and Sporting Lisbon.

Nevertheless, City’s domestic form tells a different story. Pep Guardiola’s men have recorded three consecutive Premier League victories, including a 2-0 win over Everton, powered by a brace from Erling Haaland. 

Having gone eight matches unbeaten in all competitions, City enter this fixture determined to finally break their European away curse.

Predicted Lineups for Villarreal vs Manchester City 2025

Below are the projected starting lineups for both teams ahead of their clash at Estadio de la Cerámica:

Villarreal (Formation 4-3-3)

Marcelino faces a defensive crisis, with several key players still unavailable. However, the return of Santiago Mourino adds stability to the backline. 

In attack, Nicolas Pépé’s pace down the right wing and Georges Mikautadze’s finishing ability will be crucial to exploiting City’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, Dani Parejo is expected to play a vital role in midfield, orchestrating play and maintaining balance between defense and attack.

Manchester City (Formation 4-1-4-1)

Guardiola will be encouraged by the improving fitness of his squad. Rayan Aït-Nouri has recovered from an ankle injury, while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki are both expected to make their Champions League debuts this season. However, Rodri and Abdukodir Khusanov remain sidelined with muscle injuries.

City’s attacking trio of Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Erling Haaland offers a lethal combination of creativity, pace, and power. 

With Bernardo Silva providing control in midfield and John Stones anchoring the defense, City are poised to dominate possession and push Villarreal to their limits.

Final Thoughts

The Villarreal vs Manchester City clash represents more than just a fight for three points — it’s a battle of prestige, mentality, and tactical mastery in the Champions League group stage.

Villarreal will look to capitalize on their home advantage and break their winless run, while Manchester City seek to silence critics and end their away struggles in Europe.

With two world-class managers on the sidelines and both teams boasting immense talent, fans can expect an enthralling contest filled with tactical depth, intensity, and moments of brilliance. 

Make sure not to miss any of the action as the Villarreal vs Manchester City 2025 lineups take to the pitch for what promises to be an unforgettable night at Estadio de la Cerámica.