Erling Haaland is NOT in the lineup for Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League clash against AEK Athens today, Tuesday, Oct. 20. The Premier League leaders are kicking off without their superstar forward, who’s been riding a serious hot streak, on the pitch from the start.
Why Bench a Goal-Scoring Machine?
You gotta wonder what’s going on when a guy who just bagged five goals in his last three matches, including a double against Ipswich Town last time out, suddenly finds himself on the bench. Yeah, Haaland was spotted limping a bit after that Ipswich game. But here’s the kicker: he told his manager he was “OK.” So, despite the reassurance, he’s been “rested” for the AEK game at the Etihad Stadium and is starting the match on the bench. It’s a huge call for a team leading the Premier League, especially when you consider his recent form. Are they playing it safe, or is that limp more serious than Haaland let on?
Ballon d’Or Buzz Heats Up
This benching comes with the Ballon d’Or award ceremony looming on Oct. 26 in London, and for the first time in years, there’s some real suspense about who’s gonna take home men’s soccer’s top individual prize. For ages, it felt like a two-horse race between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but with those legends moving on from the European club scene, the field is wide open. And don’t forget, it’s a World Cup year, so voters are looking beyond just Champions League glory and domestic league dominance. Could one of the “old guard” even sneak back in? The odds are out there, with Lamine Yamal currently leading the pack at +160, followed by Harry Kane at -230. Haaland’s still in the mix at +5000, along with other contenders like Jude Bellingham, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Kylian Mbappe.
With Haaland sidelined to start, it’s a big moment for whoever steps up for City. And with the Ballon d’Or announcement just around the corner, every decision, every performance, feels like it’s under a microscope.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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