According to a report by the 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.

Enzo Maresca has also recalled Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye as City prepare for a difficult away fixture following their midweek Champions League victory over AEK Athens.

Haaland was rested for the European match after appearing to struggle with a knock during City's victory over Ipswich last weekend. However, the Norwegian striker has recovered sufficiently to start against Villa, providing a major boost to City's attacking options.

Marc Guehi also returns to the starting eleven after being rested in midweek. He will partner Ruben Dias in central defence, with Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol completing the back four. Gvardiol keeps his place at left back despite appearing to pick up a knock late in the game against AEK Athens.

Matheus Nunes and Nico O'Reilly remain doubts after suffering injuries in recent matches. Rayan Ait-Nouri has been named among the substitutes, while Khusanov starts in defence.

Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez will continue as City's central midfield pairing. Cherki returns in an attacking role, with Ndiaye on the right wing and Jeremy Doku operating on the left.

Phil Foden drops to the bench despite scoring a hat trick against AEK Athens on Wednesday. The England international could still make an impact after his impressive midweek performance.

Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo remains unavailable after suffering a knee injury against Ipswich. The winger is expected to miss around eight weeks, leaving City without another attacking option.

City will be determined to collect three points at Villa Park, but Aston Villa are expected to provide a difficult test. Haaland's return could prove crucial as the visitors look to maintain their strong form.

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.