According to a report by London Evening Standard on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Manchester City have confirmed Erling Haaland’s return to the starting lineup for their Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Manager Enzo Maresca has also brought Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye back into the starting team as City prepare for a challenging away fixture following their midweek Champions League victory over AEK Athens.

Haaland was rested for the European encounter after appearing to struggle with a knock during City’s win over Ipswich last weekend. However, the Norwegian striker has recovered sufficiently to start against Villa, providing a major boost to the visitors’ attacking strength.

Marc Guehi also returns to the starting eleven after being rested in midweek. He partners Ruben Dias in central defence, with Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol completing the back four. Gvardiol retains his place at left-back despite appearing to pick up a knock towards the end of the match against AEK Athens.

Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly remain doubts after suffering injuries in recent matches against Ipswich. Their situation has influenced City’s defensive selection, with Khusanov starting and Rayan Ait-Nouri named among the substitutes.

Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez continue in central midfield, while Cherki returns in an attacking role. Ndiaye will operate on the right flank, with Jeremy Doku providing width on the opposite side.

Phil Foden has been dropped to the bench despite scoring a hat-trick in Wednesday’s victory over AEK Athens. The England international could still feature during the match, giving Maresca another attacking option after his impressive European performance.

City will also be without Antoine Semenyo, who sustained a knee injury against Ipswich. The winger is expected to spend approximately eight weeks on the sidelines, leaving the champions without another key attacking option for their upcoming fixtures.

Manchester City will be aiming to collect all three points at Villa Park as they continue their Premier League campaign. However, Aston Villa are expected to provide a stern test, making Haaland’s return particularly important for the visitors.

Manchester City confirmed starting lineup: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Enzo Fernandez; Ndiaye, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.

Substitutes: Rulli, Kovacic, Ait-Nouri, Reis, Bouaddi, O’Reilly, Foden, McAidoo, Lewis.