Manchester City heads into Saturday’s away match against Leeds United without star striker Erling Haaland, who remains sidelined due to injury. A win would cut the five-point gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal, who face Chelsea on Sunday.
Haaland’s Key Role and Recent Form
Haaland tops the Premier League scoring charts with 22 goals in 27 matches, alongside seven assists. He has regained momentum, netting two goals and providing three assists in his last three league outings.
Team Adjustments at Elland Road
Rayan Cherki steps into the starting lineup in place of the Norwegian forward, who was born in Leeds. The match at Elland Road presents a challenge for City without their prolific attacker.
Guardiola’s Pre-Match Strategy
Pep Guardiola urged his players to create scoring opportunities for Haaland after a mid-season dip. He stated: “Always, I say to try and make Erling as close to the box to score goals. There are no more tactics than that, and the team to help him score goals. It depends on the team. It’s really important [that he helps in the build-up] but we have to try and use him as little as possible, even with man-marking.”
Guardiola added: “We have to make an alternative to long balls with Erling when he’s up against a player like Newcastle United’s Dan Burn. Otherwise, every three days, doing that for a striker like Erling, it’s not sustainable.”
