Haaland, De Bruyne left out by Guardiola for Aston Villa clash

English Woman's Journal - Haaland, De Bruyne left out by Guardiola for Aston Villa clash

SPORTS 03.04.2024

Haaland, De Bruyne left out by Guardiola for Aston Villa clash / Photo: Darren Staples - AFP

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola dropped Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne to the bench for Wednesday's crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa at the Etihad.

Change text size:

Guardiola had staunchly defended Haaland during his pre-match press conference after criticism from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

Keane said the Norwegian's general play was only befitting of a player in England's fourth-tier League Two during Sunday's 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal.

Haaland, who scored 52 goals as City won a treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season, has struggled for his best form since suffering a foot injury in a 1-0 defeat to Villa in December.

The 23-year-old has 29 goals in all competitions this season but has failed to score in 12 of his last 17 matches for club and country and is goalless in his last five games.

Guardiola makes four changes in total as Rico Lewis, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku and Julian Alvarez come in with the injured Nathan Ake and Mateo Kovacic also dropping out.

Villa are also without a couple of key players as top scorer Ollie Watkins and Argentine World Cup winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez are missing due to injury and illness respectively.

N.M.Shaw--EWJ

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

English Woman's Journal - Haaland, De Bruyne left out by Guardiola for Aston Villa clash