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 encounter against Aston Villa at Villa Park, as they look to maintain their momentum in the domestic competition.

Enzo Maresca has also made several changes to his selection, bringing Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye back into the starting eleven. The champions head into the challenging away fixture after securing a victory over AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League during the week.

Haaland was rested for the European match after reportedly experiencing discomfort during City's previous Premier League victory against Ipswich. However, his return to full fitness has allowed Maresca to restore the Norwegian forward to the attack, strengthening the visitors' chances of finding the net against a competitive Aston Villa side.

Marc Guehi also returns to the starting lineup after being rested in midweek. He will partner Ruben Dias at the heart of the defence, with Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol completing the back four. Gvardiol keeps his place at left-back despite concerns over a possible knock sustained late in the encounter against AEK Athens.

Matheus Nunes and Nico O'Reilly remain doubts following injuries suffered in recent matches. Their situations have influenced the team's selection, with Khusanov featuring in defence and Rayan Ait-Nouri included among the substitutes.

Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez will continue their partnership in central midfield, while Cherki takes up an attacking position behind the forward line. Ndiaye is expected to operate on the right wing, with Jeremy Doku providing attacking width from the opposite flank.

Phil Foden has been named among the substitutes despite his impressive hat-trick against AEK Athens on Wednesday. His performance offers Maresca another valuable attacking option should City require additional creativity or goals during the contest.

Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo will miss the fixture after sustaining a knee injury against Ipswich. The winger is reportedly expected to spend approximately eight weeks on the sidelines, representing a significant setback for City's attacking depth.

Manchester City will aim to secure three valuable points at Villa Park, although Aston Villa's home advantage could make the encounter difficult. Haaland's return is therefore an important boost as the visitors prepare for the demanding Premier League contest.

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

The substitutes are Rulli, Kovacic, Ait-Nouri, Reis, Bouaddi, O'Reilly, Foden, McAidoo and Lewis.