Erling Haaland fit to face Aston Villa as Maresca confirms striker's return

Erling Haaland is back in the Manchester City squad for Saturday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The Norwegian striker, who has scored twelve goals this season, sat out the midweek Champions League victory over AEK Athens as a precaution after picking up a foot injury against Ipswich Town.

• Haaland is the only Manchester City player confirmed fully fit for the weekend.
• He scored twice against Ipswich but limped off and was an unused substitute against AEK.
• Nico O'Reilly, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes are still being assessed.
• City sit three points clear at the top of the Premier League with seven straight wins.
• Aston Villa are unbeaten in six matches and arrive in confident mood.

What Maresca said about Haaland's fitness

The Italian manager cleared up any doubts during his pre-match press conference and was emphatic about the Scandinavian forward. Maresca explained that Haaland has fully recovered from the blow he suffered against Ipswich and will travel with no restrictions for Saturday's fixture.

The City boss stated that the Norwegian is the only member of the squad with a complete bill of health and that the rest of the walking wounded must wait until the final hours. The cautious approach to his Champions League absence was driven by a desire not to risk the team's top scorer during such a demanding stretch of the calendar.

Kovacic, Nunes and O'Reilly still facing late checks

Manchester City's treatment room is not limited to Haaland. Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Nico O'Reilly also finished the Ipswich match with knocks and their availability for Villa Park remains uncertain. Maresca admitted that all three could feature or miss out, and that the coaching staff will wait for the final training sessions before deciding.

They could all be available or not. There are still doubts. Erling is the only one who is 100 per cent available and for the other three we need to wait.

Manchester City defend top spot at Villa Park

The Manchester side head into the contest as clear Premier League leaders. Seven wins from their opening seven matches have left Maresca's team three points ahead of the chasing pack, a start no other manager had achieved when taking charge of a new club in the English top flight.

Only two setbacks have tarnished the opening months of the season: defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield and a European loss against Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning continental champions. The rest of the campaign has been flawless, with 23 goals scored in the last six games and morale untouched despite the off-field storm surrounding the club since the financial regulations verdict.

Maresca acknowledged that the dressing room is in excellent spirits and that the hunger for more wins remains intact. Still, he believes his side has room for improvement, particularly in the balance between the chances created and the goals conceded.

What is at stake for Aston Villa against the leaders

Aston Villa approach the visit of City after an uneven start to the campaign, disrupted by the departure of key players during the summer window. However, Unai Emery's side has turned things around and is now unbeaten in six competitive matches, with a European run that also breeds optimism.

Maresca praised the Spanish coach's work and warned about the intensity his teams show without the ball. The Italian described Emery as a fantastic manager and Villa as a highly recognisable side, aggressive in the press and arriving at the game full of confidence on the back of their winning streak.

I have huge respect for Unai Emery. He's a fantastic manager and they are a very good team. You can see clearly what they want, they are very intense off the ball and in this moment they are in a good mood, they are winning games. I am sure, 100 per cent, it is going to be a tough game.

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