Erling Haaland is 100% available for Manchester Citys trip to Aston Villa on Saturday. The Norway striker was rested for the midweek Champions League win over AEK Athens, remaining on the bench for the duration, but will lead the line at Villa Park in the lunchtime kick-off.Asked for an update on the fitness of Matheus Nunes, Nico OReilly, Mateo Kovacic and Haaland, City boss Enzo Maresca said: We have a session this afternoon. They can be all available or not. Yesterday they were all improving, and well see this afternoon.Erling is the only one 100% available, and the other three we need to wait for todays session.I know how good Foden is, says City boss MarescaHaaland, who is the Premier Leagues top scorer with eight goals in seven appearances this season, is likely to link-up with Phil Foden at the weekend with the England midfielder the inspiration behind the win over AEK with a hat-trick.Foden has had a difficult couple of years with niggling injuries and some indifferent form but Maresca is hoping he will return to his best.He added: I sat with Phil two or three times, especially at the beginning. Just to show, I dont know if love is the right word to use, how important he is. I know Phil from years ago, so I know how good he is.For different reasons in the last years he was not good enough, but when you have more players like Phil available, youre a better team. Its a matter of improving players if you improve the players, you improve the team. So, for me, I think its my duty to try to help Phil to be again one of the best players in England.Villa may have to contend with a front three of Haaland, Foden and Rayan Cherki after Maresca confirmed all three could play together depending on the gameplan.Cherki has been another instrumental player in Citys strong start that has seen them win each of their first seven Premier League games. The former Lyon playmaker has four goals and two assists despite seemingly driving Maresca mad.At this moment, is one of the best players in Europe, said Maresca. When hes in the right position, that means when were able to find him between the lines, its always dangerous. And when hes inside the box with the quality he has Hes one of the best players in Europe.Sometimes because he loves the ball and loves to move a lot, most of the time hes out of position. But when hes in the right position, hes always a weapon for us.Maresca defends City star Cherki after showboating criticismCherki received some criticism in midweek for showboating against AEK but Maresca didnt have a problem with it.I like players when theyre happy, for sure, 100%, he said. But I also like simple things. At the end, I think the most difficult thing in football is to do the easy things, dont complicate.But sometimes you have players that are so, so good like Rayan, that they need to do that. So Im very happy when hes doing that, also because I know that hes happy. And if youre able to do that and to allow the team to create chances, its top, its even better.City will head to the Midlands in confident mood but Maresca is wary of a Villa side that have picked up in recent weeks after a slow start.He added: I have huge respect for Unai [Emery]; hes done well in all clubs hes been. Hes a fantastic manager, theyre a very good team, you can recognise the team, see clearly what they want very intense off the ball. They are also, in this moment, in a good mood, winning games. I have respect for Unai and Im 100% sure that its going to be a very tough game. Topics Aston Villa F.C. Enzo Maresca Erling Haaland Manchester City F.C. Rayan Cherki If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Aston Villa 3-1 Viking: Report, result and goals as Villans ease to another win in Europe Mitch Fretton 21st October, 2026 LIVE Aston Villa v Viking: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 21st October, 2026 Aston Villa v Viking: Confirmed line-ups as Emerys men aim to continue red-hot form Nicholas McGee 21st October, 2026 Tip of the Day: Vinicius Jr to star for Real Madrid as part of three-leg acca Jon Fisher 21st October, 2026 Win tickets to a Champions League game with bet365 Jon Fisher 21st October, 2026 Aston Villa v Viking: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Jon Fisher 21st October, 2026
