Last August, predicting Manchester City’s 2024/25 season would spiral into a fight for any silverware seemed unthinkable. Fresh off a fourth consecutive Premier League title, Pep Guardiola’s squad was the untouchable favorite to dominate yet again.

Villa’s pursuit for a return to the Champions League through a top-five finish in the Premier League takes a back seat as they head to Wembley.

After a first league title in 30 years was impacted by Covid-19 in 2020, the city of Liverpool is looking forward to a summer of celebration.