“We won 1-0. He won’t play another match until the end of the season. I don’t like Erling…” Pep Guardiola used irony when discussing the importance of Erling Haaland in his Manchester City team. Absent in Leeds on Saturday, due to a blow to his knee, the Norwegian striker, 29 goals in 38 matches this season, returned to training on the eve of a new Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, this Wednesday evening (kick-off 8:30 p.m.).
Haaland started for the Forest reception at the Etihad Stadium, on behalf of the 29th day of the championship. The Mancuniens are five points ahead of Arsenal, who are playing at the same time away to Brighton, the Gunners however having one more match on the clock.
Cherki behind Haaland
Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo and Phil Foden complete the Cityzens’ attacking quartet of the day, while Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Jérémy Doku are the offensive options on the bench. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Bernardo Silva are lined up from the start.
Vitor Pereira’s Reds, first non-relegation with two points more than West Ham, are led by Matz Sels in goal or Ibrahim Sangaré in the middle.
The Man City eleven: Donnarumma – Nunes, Dias, Guéhi, Ait-Nouri – Rodri, Bernardo Silva – Semenyo, Cherki, Foden – Haaland.
