Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 victory over AEK Athens last night at the Etihad Stadium. A hat trick from Phil Foden and goals from Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki sealed a comfortable win for Enzo Maresca’s side in their matchday three Champions League league phase fixture at the Etihad Stadium. City’s win was the ideal preparation for Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday. Heading into this Saturday’s clash with Unai Emery’s side Manchester City have received a boost with Erling Haaland ready to play at Villa Park.
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Erling Haaland will be ready to play against Aston Villa.
Erling Haaland was an unused substitute as Manchester City beat AEK Athens last night. The question heading into last night’s match was whether or not any of Erling Haaland, Nico O’Reilly, Matheus Nunes or Mateo Kovacic would be in City’s matchday squad for the match at the Etihad Stadium. Of the injured quartet, only Erling Haaland made the bench for the game.
Speaking after his team swept AEK Athens aside, Enzo Maresca revealed that Erling Haaland is fit to start against Aston Villa. Speaking on Haaland’s availability for the match at Villa Park, Maresca said, in quotes relayed by The Manchester Evening News: “He’s okay to start (Erling Haaland) on Saturday. We had five or six players on the bench who ready to go inside but at the same time they had a rest so we’re happy with that.”
Enzo Maresca’s side will need Erling Haaland as they face a tough test at Villa Park.
Manchester City had almost the perfect night against AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium last night. They cruised to a 5-1 win and several key players had the opportunity to rest. Erling Haaland had a much-needed rest. As did Jeremy Doku, Iliman Ndiaye, Marc Guehi and Ayyoub Bouaddi. The opportunity to rest key players is fleeting for Enzo Maresca. Thankfully that opportunity came along as it was taken.
Up next for Manchester City is a tough trip to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa. Typically, City struggle against Unai Emery’s side at Villa Park. They haven’t won at the venue since a 2-1 win there back in December of 2021. Since then, City have lost three and drawn one at Villa Park. If Enzo Maresca’s side are to pick up all three points on Saturday and break their Villa Park hoodoo, they’ll need their key players to be fit, rested, and available. Enzo Maresca’s update on Erling Haaland’s fitness suggests that he will be ready to start on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Erling Haaland will be ready to start against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday. It seems that Haaland’s injury issue is behind him. Also, he will be well rested for what looms as a tough test for Enzo Maresca’s side. That is another bonus of City’s comfortable win last night.