A Strike Partner For Haaland?
Finding opportunities to rest Erling Haaland has not always been easy for Pep Guardiola. A knock helped rule him out against League Two Salford City for what turned out to be a laborious 2-0 win, giving the Norwegian the chance of a free weekend.
In the recent Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against tomorrow’s (Saturday) opponents, Newcastle, Haaland started on the bench and watched as City made light work of a confused visiting defence.
Guardiola knows how to cause damage against Eddie Howe’s side and reinstating Haaland to the lineup can only be an advantage considering his ludicrous goal record since arriving in England.
It is a wonder, however, if Guardiola will start with the same setup that reaped rewards the last time the two met, with a striking partnership that was almost operating as wingers, pulling the centre-backs around to create space for midfielders.
Haaland being on the right would give him a better angle to run in behind and leave Newcastle pondering how to stop him and either Antoine Semenyo or Omar Marmoush.
*Manchester City v Newcastle, Saturday.
Chelsea Could Give Kyle Walker The Runaround
This season has become a struggle for Kyle Walker, forcing him to learn about football at the other end of the table after spending so many years at the top.
He has looked susceptible against players with pace, with his own speed starting to let the 35-year-old down.
Considering the array of wingers available to Liam Rosenior, he could be in for a tough afternoon at Stamford Bridge but Walker is someone who likes a challenge.
An afternoon up against Alejandro Garnacho, for example, would be a true test of Walker’s capabilities and an examination of whether he still has the same attributes that made him one of world’s best right-backs.
If he is given the runaround, it could be the final indication that Walker’s time in the Premier League will end, perhaps along with Burnley’s.
However, if he can roll back the years, it could offer some much-needed inspiration for a club facing a third top-flight relegation in succession.
*Chelsea v Burnley, Saturday.
In-form Wirtz A New Threat For Forest
Now that Florian Wirtz has settled into the Premier League and is flourishing as a No 10, he will face an intriguing battle at the City Ground against Ibrahim Sangaré.
When on his game, the Forest central midfielder makes his team more stable and difficult to break down, but he will be severely tested against the Germany international, who is smart in his movement and passes.
After a tumultuous week in Nottingham, Vítor Pereira needs to show he has created an organised structure. Considering Forest won 3-0 at Anfield three months ago under Sean Dyche, the result on Sunday will be a strong indicator of where things have regressed amid the constant uncertainty.
Wirtz did not play that day, so it will provide a new problem for Sangaré and Elliot Anderson, the most likely pairing. If they cannot cope, it feels as if the game will be Liverpool’s for the taking.
*Nottingham Forest v Liverpool, Sunday.
Supersub Sesko Pushing For A Start
After failing to win for the first time in his five games in charge, Michael Carrick will naturally wonder if he needs to change something, not that there was any great shame in drawing at West Ham.
One potential option for him is to start Benjamin Sesko after he came off the bench to score a sublime equaliser in east London.
Since Ruben Amorim left, Sesko has five goals in six matches and looks a different striker to the one who had lumbered to two in 21 for club and country this season.
Considering the aerial capabilities of Everton’s defenders in both boxes, the prospect of a little extra height could help United, while also allowing Carrick to keep Amad Diallo on the bench to test tiring legs late on, while moving Bryan Mbeumo out to the left.
If Sesko is not given a chance from the start, he knows how to make an impact off the bench and being a trusted substitute would give him a marked role under the new regime.
*Everton v Manchester United, Monday.
*PHOTO CAPTION: ‘The Beast’ Haaland (2nd right) in flight mode scoring a stunner in a match…this season.
