KEY POINTS

  • Erling Haaland has started in all 13 games for Man City
  • Haaland has netted an incredible 19 goals this season
  • City thrashed Copenhagen 5-0 at Etihad last week

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has opened up on whether Erling Haaland will start in their upcoming Champions League game.

Manchester City are currently in Denmark as they are scheduled to take on Copenhagen in the Champions League Group G game Tuesday.

Haaland has been in magnificent form since his move from Borussia Dortmund to City this summer. The Norwegian has started in all 13 of City's matches this season, scoring 19 goals. However, his game time against Copenhagen could be curtailed as Guardiola is looking to rotate his squad at Parken Stadium.

"Tomorrow I am going to decide what the team selection is. I have to speak with the players, physios, and doctors and decide what the best is. Then we will see. It's true that in the last 25-30 minutes when games are tight, that is when fatigue and the risk of injuries rise. But lately, we were lucky to score goals in the first half and at the beginning of the second, then after we can rotate," Guardiola told reporters on the eve of his side's match in Copenhagen.

In their first leg against Copenhagen, which was held last week at Etihad Stadium, Man City thrashed their Danish opponents 5-0, with Haaland once again showcasing exceptional performance. The 22-year-old forward opened the scoring with his seventh-minute strike before doubling City's lead with a brace.

The other goals were scored by Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez and an own goal from Copenhagen's Davit Khocholava.

Erling Haaland (centre) has scored three hat-tricks in eight Premier League appearances
Erling Haaland moved from Borssia Dortmund to Man City in the 2022 summer AFP

Even though City beat Copenhagen quite comfortably in their previous meeting, Guardiola believes the opponents could be dangerous at home Tuesday.

"I am pretty sure the players of Copenhagen have pride. We play one week later, and they have pride and they want to perform. As in every game, we will not underestimate them. The nature of the manager and the players they have. We will try to reach the later stages of the competition," added Guardiola, according to Man City's website.

Manchester City are at the top of Group G, having won all three games so far. City are scheduled to travel to Merseyside on Sunday to lock horns with Liverpool FC in the Premier League.

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