Haaland and City's absences

Manchester City held their final training session before the match on Monday, 19 October, at the Etihad Stadium, and Erling Haaland did not take part. Reports had already suggested that the Norwegian striker could be kept out for rest, and his absence adds to that speculation. Enzo Maresca, the City coach, said at his press conference that Haaland's involvement would be decided on the day of the match. Matheus Nunes, Nico O'Reilly and Mateo Kovačić also missed the session and are considered doubtful. Maresca said he will name his strongest possible lineup and that Antoine Semenyo, 26, will be out for two months. The absences leave the City coach with several selection questions to answer before kickoff on Tuesday.

Nikolić wants AEK to keep their identity

AEK coach Marko Nikolić said his side will not change its approach for the trip to the Etihad, where he described City as one of the best teams in football, with top players and a strong coach, playing in front of their own fans. He said AEK had prepared professionally, doing the same things the squad does every week.

“We are facing one of the top teams in football, with great players, and in fact in their home ground.”

Nikolić argued that AEK must still find moments to attack across the 90 minutes, and that a plan built only around survival would not bring much. He stressed that the team must play with its own features rather than adjusting too much for the opponent.

“If you choose to play only defensively just to survive, you won't achieve much.”

Confidence and the run of fixtures

Nikolić said he has faith in his squad and recalled the schedule so far, starting with LASK, then Shakhtar, before facing City and then Real Madrid. He said he believes AEK can take a result from some of these games and must show that they can compete with anyone. He added that his team has been in Manchester for several days and is excited about the game. Asked what would satisfy him, he said he would be happy if AEK brought their character and high energy onto the pitch, while admitting he cannot predict what happens after the final whistle. He also said that off-field issues at City will not affect them on the pitch, since the season is still at an early stage.

Motivation and the match ahead

Nikolić said motivating his players for City would not be difficult, because the occasion itself will drive them. He said it would be far harder to inspire them for the domestic fixture against Panetolikos. The match is on Tuesday, 20 October, at 22:00 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, the third matchday of the League Phase. AEK will be the visiting side, while City will settle its lineup at the last moment, with Haaland's fitness the main open question.