Eastlands side secured their place in the competition in midweek with a 1-0 win against Tottenham. But the fourth place means a qualifying match - and troubled season. In third place means you can rest until the group stage.
Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger is still senses a second.
Currently, 180 minutes late in the season does not feel half empty half full. Realistically, Arsenal needs four points to third place and lights - Aston Villa at home on Sunday, Fulham next weekend away - seem to be in his favor.
Manchester City are also involved in the FA Cup final on Saturday, a victory this weekend would be a giant step toward a 14 by another passage Champions League group stages
"The possibility of a third is very good and we still adhere to the second," said Wenger.
"We can put an end to the second, third or fourth, depending on the search results. Of course, we want to stop the first three, and possibly a second. It is unrealistic to [end of the second], when there are only three points behind but Man City is just two points behind us, so it is open.
"The city has recently lost both games so it depends on us. We need to win our matches. Let's win for Aston Villa, so we can get five points away from the new.
"FA Cup is not ideally located, I must say that the interest of the league. But, well, Chelsea was a huge disappointment on Sunday and it will be difficult for them to recover if we have a chance, we have take. "
For some, the qualification of the Champions League will be a small consolation for a season that promised much in early February, but Virginia-off alarming. This is not a trophy, but it certainly felt like one with Manchester City on Wednesday, as did the Tottenham 12 months ago.
True to establish the next season Mancini's men. And he would do the same for Arsenal if they do not reach groups.
"People assume that we are there every year," said Wenger. "But believe me, is hard work. You have clubs like Liverpool, who are out of it and Tottenham have been the main candidates this season."
Thomas Vermaelen is likely to make his first appearance in nine months because of thigh injury picked up by Laurent Koscielny at Stoke last weekend. Gael Clichy missed this game, but returned to the Villa.
Cesc Fabregas (thigh) and Samir Nasri (hamstring) both face late tests. Abou Diaby (calf) and Tomas Rosicky (thigh) are also possible.
Aston Villa has had a miserable campaign. They reached the safety of a few weeks ago, but never found the rhythm after Gerard Houllier took over from Martin O'Neill in the preseason.
Villa have recorded just three wins away from home all season - Wigan, Wolves and West Ham. But the way Arsenal is also uneven. They have won only two of their last nine games.
Ultimately, this game could be the end of season malaise, but it really does not like. Arsenal needs to be done.
Wenger defines the qualification to the Champions League for his team than the minimum. Do the job, either now or leave until August.
In order to give Manchester City is a bit 'headaches bad start to the season. As the football world than others, expects to Roberto Mancini over a period of serious challengers next title.
"They will now be in contention, for sure," he said. "It will be easier for them to buy players now, they are in the Champions League.
"But you can see, we were still at Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea return to new investment.
"Man City were very close last year, and then they bought Yaya Toure, Silva and added Dzeko. They missed a Champions League place on the last day of last season, so it is no wonder how they are super. "
The same applies to Arsenal. The history of Manchester United or Chelsea is a small but significant margin of maneuver is a regular situation in recent seasons.
The discussion about how to change this rule the summer. And you can wait until then.
Arsenal singular role in the final stage of the season has finished third or more.
