Is Saturday the right time for Pep Guardiola to unleash Erling Haaland? | OneFootball

Erling Haaland returned to training late last week. He was an unused substitute for Manchester City’s 1-nil win over Wolves last Friday at the Etihad. City’s top scorer will have had a full week of training by the time Manchester City’s Premier League fixture against Southampton comes around on Saturday. That does pose a question: Is Saturday’s match at St. Mary’s the right match for Pep Guardiola to unleash Erling Haaland? On paper, it looks to be a simple decision, provided that Haaland is fully fit. But it’s not a simple answer to find on closer inspection.

Pep Guardiola has found a solution that has seen Manchester City play with stability.

Over the course of Manchester City’s recent nine-game unbeaten run, Pep Guardiola has utilised a 4-2-2-2 formation. This formation has seen City flood the centre of the pitch. Typically, during Manchester City’s nine-match unbeaten run, the full-backs, namely Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes, have provided the width to City’s play. The wingers have inverted, and it’s allowed City to flood the midfield. That has covered what was a major weakness in Manchester City’s play throughout this season. They now play with control and have more stability all over the pitch. Would inserting Erling Haaland back into the starting lineup on Sunday upset that balance? For me, it’s Erling Haaland, and he simply must start. But the answer may not be that simple.

Erling Haaland will be eager to get back on the pitch.

One thing we know about Erling Haaland is that he will be eager to get back on the pitch. There’s no doubt about that fact. Provided he is fit to start against Southampton where does he fit into Pep Guardiola’s new system?

The 4-2-2-2 Manchester City are currently utilising has been reliant on using two false nines of sorts. That isn’t a role Erling Haaland can play and nor should be asked to. He’d slot back in the role he shines in. As Manchester City’s striker. That may subtly change how Pep Guardiola gets his team to play. The system would likely primarily remain the same but Haaland’s return does change the equation. But if Manchester City can keep control of the middle of the pitch with Haaland back in the starting lineup then it’s a no-brainer for the Norwegian international to return against Southampton.

Of course whether or not Erling Haaland starts at St. Mary’s will depend on his fitness. But you do feel that the 4-2-2-2 formation is what Pep Guardiola may utilise for next season. Erling Haaland will be a key player in that system and the sooner he is integrated into it the better for Manchester City. Hopefully that comes against Southampton on Saturday.