Erling Haaland has found Aston Villa to be one of his toughest Premier League opponents, scoring only once in five league matches against them. The Manchester City striker's sole goal came in a 1-1 draw, and he has now gone four consecutive top-flight games without finding the net against Villa.
His next chance to improve that record will be on Boxing Day. Haaland has not faced Villa at the Etihad Stadium since 2023.
Haaland's record against Newcastle United
Scoring challenges are also present against another Premier League side, Newcastle United. Haaland has managed just one goal in seven league meetings with the Magpies, a strike that came in a 3-3 draw at St James' Park in 2022. He has also failed to score in two League Cup ties and one FA Cup match against them.
Haaland's overall Premier League form
This contrasts sharply with his overall productivity. This season, Haaland has registered 12 goals across all competitions, with eight coming in the Premier League. He leads the division for total shots and shots on target. The Norwegian also ranks second for big chances created and has recorded many touches in the opposition penalty area.
In comparison, he has scored four goals in eight Premier League appearances against both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. He has found the net against every other Premier League opponent he has faced.
Manchester City's team news for their upcoming match shows Haaland returning to the starting eleven alongside Marc Guéhi, Jérémy Doku and Iliman Ndiaye. Phil Foden and Rico Lewis are among the substitutes. The lineup is expected to feature Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with a back four of Khusanov, Rúben Dias, Guéhi, and Joško Gvardiol. Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández will operate in midfield, with Rayan Cherki also involved, while Haaland leads the line flanked by Ndiaye and Doku.
City are chasing a club record, aiming for an eighth consecutive league win at the start of the season to surpass the seven achieved in the 1897/98 campaign. Their victory last week marked the best start to a managerial reign in the Premier League era. Historically, Aston Villa have proven a tricky opponent for City, winning four of the last six league meetings between the sides. City have lost their last two league games against Villa, and the Midlands club are unbeaten in their last three Premier League home games against the team starting the day top of the table.
Read the full report at Planet Football
