Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard jokingly pleaded with Pep Guardiola to rest Erling Haaland when his men lock horns with champions Manchester City.
Having picked up their fourth title in five seasons, City opted to shuffle the pack this summer and Haaland was the marquee signing. Guardiola splashed out £51million to win the goalscoring lottery as Norway sensation Haaland, 22, continues to pay that outlay back with interest.
Nine goals in five appearances marks an early-season record in the Premier League era and the former Borussia Dortmund man netted hat-tricks against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest most recently.
READ MORE: Every word from press conference
Gerrard spoke to Sky Sports about the challenge that awaits his under-pressure team. He said: "He's very different and a physical specimen. From afar, we knew he had world-class ability and he's certainly backing that up right now so, hopefully, Pep [Guardiola] gives him [Haaland] a rest tomorrow!
"Everyone expects them to win this game and win it comfortably. The challenge is to go and prove that [wrong]."
Asked if Haaland makes City a different proposition, Gerrard added: "I think so. You need to be diligent with this individual, which is easier said than done because that's the level of player you are dealing with and he's a top player. But if you focus too much on one player in this situation you can neglect the other world-class talents they have and that's what you are dealing with here."
MORE TO READ:
