City won't progress to the upcoming A.P.L. stage
Revised Article:
Man City's sharpshooter, Erling Haaland, is set to sit out their upcoming English Premiere League battle against Crystal Palace on December 16. Pep Guardiola confirmed the news at a pre-match presser, revealing they’ll give the Norwegian a breather ahead of the Club World Cup, starting next week. The medics, though, suggest not jeopardizing Haaland's health in the weekend game.
Besides Haaland, midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne and winger Jeremy Doku are also out of commission. sneaky sidelining for the Citizens' next bouts.
Haaland, a 23-year-old powerhouse, has smashed 19 goals and dished out 5 assists in 22 matches across all competitions this season. The kid's already bagged more than 50 goals in 2023, becoming the first to do so.
Currently, Man City stands fourth in the Premiere League table, four points behind leaders Liverpool.
Given the current injury scenario, Pep might shuffle his starting lineup for the contest against Crystal Palace. Here's a speculative XI, assuming the usual formations and available players:
Starting XI:
- Ederson (GK)
- Defenders:
- Kyle Walker (RB)
- Rúben Dias (CB)
- Manuel Akanji (CB)
- Sergio Gómez (LB)
- Midfielders:
- Rodri (DM)
- Mateo Kovačić (CM)
- James McAtee (AM)
- Forwards:
- Julián Álvarez (LW)
- Phil Foden (ST)
- Riyad Mahrez (RW)
Bench:- Zack Steffen (GK)- John Stones (CB)- Aymeric Laporte (CB)- Stefan Ortega (GK)- Cole Palmer (AM)- Tommy Doyle (DM)- Liam Delap (ST)
Notes:- Haaland's absence could give Phil Foden a chance up front.- De Bruyne's absence might see James McAtee or Cole Palmer stepping up creative roles.- Doku's injury narrows the options for a lively wide player, with Mahrez and Alvarez likely starting.
This lineup is based on typical availability and assumes no additional injuries or suspensions. However, Pep can tweak the lineup based on tactical decisions and any more updates.
By the way, the actual December 16 clash between Man City and Crystal Palace ended up tied 2-2[3].
- Given Erling Haaland's absence due to a breather ahead of the Club World Cup, there might be an opportunity for Phil Foden to participate up front for Man City in their upcoming English Premiere League match against Crystal Palace.
- The questioned lineup for Man City's match against Crystal Palace suggests that Riyad Mahrez and Julián Álvarez could be the lively wide players, with Doku's injury causing a narrowed pool of options.
- Erling Haaland, at just 23 years old and worth watching in the sports of football, has already scored more than 50 goals in 2023, making him the first to achieve such a feat.
- With a possible revamped starting lineup due to injuries, Man City's 2023 football performance will remain a question mark when they battle against Crystal Palace in December 16's English Premiere League clash.
