Manchester City Drop Haaland as Marc Guéhi Makes Debut Against Wolves
Manchester, 24 January 2026
Pep Guardiola has made the bold decision to bench striker Erling Haaland for Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Norwegian managing just one goal in his last eight appearances. The headline team news sees new £20 million signing Marc Guéhi handed his Manchester City debut following his Monday arrival from Crystal Palace, as City desperately seek defensive stability amid an injury crisis that has sidelined Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and John Stones. Omar Marmoush leads the attack in Haaland’s absence, whilst Matheus Nunes returns from illness at right-back in one of five changes from Tuesday’s damaging 3-1 defeat to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt.
Defensive Crisis Forces Guardiola’s Hand
The timing of Guéhi’s debut could hardly be more critical, with Manchester City’s defensive injury list reaching alarming proportions. Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and John Stones all remain sidelined [1][7], leaving Guardiola with limited options at the heart of defence. The new signing from Crystal Palace is expected to partner Abdukodir Khusanov in central defence [7], particularly after Max Alleyne’s difficult performance against Bodø/Glimt earlier this week [7]. Guardiola expressed his relief at having the England international available, stating on Friday: “Really good [to have him]. Considering the absence of central defenders it is really good. It will help us because Marc is exceptional” [7]. The £20 million defender’s immediate inclusion demonstrates the urgency of City’s defensive situation, with the manager making no attempt to ease expectations around his new signing’s impact [7].
Haaland’s Goal Drought Prompts Tactical Shift
The decision to bench Erling Haaland represents perhaps the most surprising element of Guardiola’s team selection, with the Norwegian striker managing just one goal in his past eight games [6]. This dramatic dip in form has coincided with City’s recent struggles, including defeats to Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt in the space of four days [1][2]. Omar Marmoush steps up to lead the attack in Haaland’s absence [6], as part of five total changes from the midweek Champions League defeat [6]. Phil Foden also finds himself relegated to the bench alongside the Norwegian striker [1][6], suggesting Guardiola is prioritising fresh legs and tactical flexibility over established names. The move reflects the manager’s willingness to make bold decisions during City’s current challenging period, with the team having gone four Premier League games without a win [alert! ‘specific timeframe for winless run unclear from sources’].
Nunes Returns as City Reshape Formation
Matheus Nunes makes his return to the starting lineup at right-back after recovering from illness [1], providing much-needed stability in a position that has seen rotation in recent weeks. The Portuguese midfielder’s inclusion represents one of five changes from the Bodø/Glimt defeat, alongside Guéhi, Marmoush, captain Bernardo Silva, and Antoine Semenyo [6]. Silva returns after serving his suspension [7], bringing vital experience to a midfield that will also feature Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders [1][6]. The confirmed starting eleven sees Stefan Donnarumma in goal, with Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly forming the back line, whilst Semenyo and Rayan Cherki provide width in the attacking positions [1][6]. Rico Lewis, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Max Alleyne are among those dropping out from the midweek selection [6].
Opportunity Against Improving Opposition
Wolverhampton Wanderers arrive at the Etihad Stadium on the back of an encouraging four-game unbeaten run [2], having drawn 0-0 with Newcastle United in their most recent Premier League fixture on 18 January [2]. However, City maintain a strong recent record against Gary O’Neil’s side, winning 10 of their last 11 Premier League encounters [GPT], with their only defeat coming in a memorable 2-1 loss at Molineux in September 2023 [1]. Wolves’ last victory against City at the Etihad came in October 2019, when they secured a 2-0 win [1]. The visitors’ recent form includes impressive results such as a 6-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town on 10 January and a 3-0 win against West Ham United on 3 January [2], suggesting they arrive in Manchester with growing confidence. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde remains a doubt for the visitors, whilst Jørgen Strand Larsen may return to strengthen their attacking options [2].