The English champions Manchester City suffered a setback at the hands of Unai Emery’s elevated Aston Villa, facing a 1-0 defeat and handing Pep Guardiola’s managed side their third loss of the season. Erling Haaland, the ace striker, was the only player to register just two shots for his side.
Recently, the 23-year-old striker won the Golden Man Award for his phenomenal performance, playing a monumental role in City’s highly coveted treble-winning season. However, there is anticipation regarding the forward’s chances to feature in their upcoming fixture against Luton Town on Sunday.
Will Erling Haaland play vs. Luton Town?
Manchester City will travel to the northwest to take on the bottom-placed side, Luton Town, at Kenilworth Road in the Premier League for Matchday 16 on Sunday. Surprisingly, Pep Guardiola candidly admitted that Aston Villa was the better side, acknowledging that his team was subsequently outclassed in their previous outing at Villa Park.
The treble winners have been without a victory in their last four successive league matches, marking the first time in the Spanish tactician’s managerial career. Citizens will find huge relief with the return of their pivotal midfielder Rodri, whose absence has cost them three defeats this term.
Alongside Rodri, English winger Jack Grealish is also set to mark his return following suspension. The Belgian international, Jeremy Doku, will be back in the lineup as well. Reportedly, their top goal scorer, Erling Haaland, is out of the squad to face Luton Town. He has already amassed a tally of 19 goals this season, with 14 of them in the Premier League.
Last season’s Golden Boot holder, Haaland’s absence will be a significant blow for the champions. However, it has not been clarified whether it’s due to injury concerns or fitness issues. Additionally, Kevin De Bruyne is already sidelined with a muscle-tear hamstring injury.
City team news ahead of Luton game
Presently, Manchester City occupies the 4th place in the Premier League points table this season. They have amassed 30 points with 9 wins, three defeats, and an equal number of draws, totaling 15 points this season.
On the other hand, Luton Town is placed in the 18th position in the relegation zone with just 9 points and a mere 2 wins.
For the visitors, their talismans Kevin De Bruyne and Zack Steffen remain sidelined due to injury problems. Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, and Rodri are set to make their return. However, prolific forward Erling Haaland remains doubtful for the away clash.
