Haaland fit to start at Aston Villa after City's 5-1 demolition of AEK Athens

Erling Haaland will return to Manchester City’s starting line-up at Aston Villa on Saturday after manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the Norwegian is fully fit following a precautionary rest in Tuesday’s 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland had been a significant doubt after limping off late in City’s Premier League win over Ipswich Town the previous weekend. With Villa Park on the horizon, Maresca opted to keep the striker on the bench rather than risk aggravating the issue against the Greek champions.

“He’s okay to start on Saturday,” Maresca said after the final whistle. “We had five or six players on the bench who were ready to go inside, but at the same time they had a rest, so we’re happy with that.”

In Haaland’s absence, 17-year-old Floyd Samba was handed a rare start — a reward for his two-goal performance in the Carabao Cup win over Norwich City last month. It was Phil Foden, however, who dominated the night, completing a hat-trick to add to Elliot Anderson’s opener and a composed finish from Rayan Cherki as City’s depth proved far too much for the visitors.

The result moves City into the top six of the Champions League league-phase table and provides a timely confidence boost after their defeat to PSG in Europe last week. With Haaland now available again, Maresca will be able to field a near full-strength side for the trip to Villa Park, where City will be looking to maintain their Premier League momentum.