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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Erling Haaland could secure another Man City record at Wolves and Julian Alvarez can help him

Haaland eyeing another record

Erling Haaland's start to the Premier League season has been frightening. He has already notched 13 goals in all competitions, his latest being the winner against former club Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

The Norwegian has already scored two hat-tricks and a third would already see him match the club record for the most in one season, a record currently held by both Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling. It may seem presumptuous to expect Haaland to grab another hat-trick on Saturday away from home, but if Kevin De Bruyne can grab four in one game against the West Midlands opposition, there is nothing stopping Haaland replicating the feat on Saturday.

ALSO READ: Haaland makes admission on stunning goal vs Dortmund

Will Walker return?

Kyle Walker has been missing since he hobbled off against Aston Villa and he did not play any part in the victory over Borussia Dortmund. The former Tottenham Hotspur man has been included in the England squad for the international break which starts next week, which would suggest he is close to a return.

On Wednesday, John Stones filled in at right-back. Through no lack of effort and in spite of a wonder strike, Stones clearly did not offer the same threat as Walker for the majority of the game. Should he return at Molineux, it would be a major boost for Pep Guardiola.

Grealish and Mahrez to be dropped?

Unfortunately for Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez, their positions in the City starting XI for the Wolves trip are by no means secure. Both men rarely threatened to break down a stubborn Dortmund side at the Etihad.

In a squad like the one Guardiola possesses, one bad performance can see a player dropped from the team and it can be difficult to reclaim that place once it is lost. It certainly would not have helped that their replacements on Wednesday performed so well.

Speaking of which...

Alvarez and Haaland to combine once more

Julian Alvarez once again looked bright when he came on in the Champions League and he managed to force a smart save from Alexander Meyer during his half-hour spell.

When the Argentine arrived in the summer, few would have guessed that he would share the pitch with Haaland on numerous occasions. However, it is hard to deny that the 22-year-old does not look a threat on the right-hand side.

With the Manchester derby on the horizon, Guardiola may be keen to flaunt his attacking depth in this fixture.

Costa debut for Wolves?

A familiar foe could be lining up against City this lunchtime in different colours. Diego Costa made his return to the Premier League this week with an elaborate announcement video which included 'actual wolves'.

In six appearances against the Blues, the combative Spaniard has notched two goals. At 33, Costa is by no means over the hill but it could well be interesting to see how he fares in the English top flight having last played on these shores in 2018.

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