by Surviving without Erling Haaland is the new challenge for this Manchester City. The Norwegian, ‘KO’ due to a foot injury that could keep him sidelined until the end of the year, will not be on the last ‘ride’ of Guardiola’s team in the Champions League. With qualification already sealed for the round of 16 as first, the new challenge for the ‘Cityzen’ team will be to find a new ‘Champions man’ on the last day of the group stage at home in front of the Red Star. It will not be easy.
After five games played in the top European competition, Haaland is the team’s and the competition’s top scorer (5 goals)tied in the ranking with Álvaro Morata and Rasmus Hojlund. Closely behind him is ‘Araña’ Julián Álvarez (4), a footballer in extraordinary form and with sky-high morale. Unless there is a surprise, it should be the Argentine who occupies the starting place as a forward.
A PERFECT GROUP PHASE
With or without Haaland, Manchester City has left no room for error in this Champions League. The current champion is going like a shot, and the rivals in his group have been more than aware. With a plenary session and victories in the five days played, Guardiola’s men have been a real roller: they have 15 goals for (3 on average per game) and 5 against.
Erling Haaland and Julián Álvarez, in Manchester City’s comeback / @Cityman
RB Leipzig, the only one that could worry them along with the ‘weak’ Young Bouys and Estrella Roja, was not able to keep up with them and lost both direct duels against the ‘Cityzens’. After 1-3 in Germany, Marco Rose’s men were on the verge of ‘dynamiting’ the Etihad with a momentary 0-2, Haaland, Foden and Julián appeared to sign a memorable comeback (3-2). They didn’t want to leave a single stain on their record.
MOMENT OF ROTATIONS
With nothing at stake and against a Red Star already eliminated and with just 1 point in 5 days, Guardiola could give prominence to men in the rotation and less common players. With Erling Haaland’s absence confirmed, the Santpedor coach will have at his disposal a fired-up Julián Álvarez who could increase his scoring numbers and fight for the top scorer. It will also be a good opportunity to provide a new opportunity for Oscar Bobbone of the young homegrown players who are beginning to make a strong appearance in the first team. Kalvin Phillips, Sergio Gómez or Matheus Nunes They are other possible alternatives in a ‘renewed’ once starter.
PROBABLE ALIGNMENTS
Red Star: Racioppi, Blum, Camara, Benito, García, Niasse, Lauder, Monteiro, Ugrinic, Elia, Itten.
City of Manchester: Ortega, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gómez, Phillips, Kovacic, Nunes, Grealish, Doku, Álvarez.
