Manchester City can count on their goalscorer Erling Holland for Sunday’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest, manager Pep Guardiola hinted after last night’s 4-0 win over Brighton.
The striker, who is joint top scorer in the Championship this season with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer with 20 goals each, missed both Thursday’s game and Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea due to a muscle injury.
“I’d rather have Erling at my disposal than without him. I spoke to him and he said he feels better,” Guardiola told the media.
City are one point behind leaders Arsenal with their victory in Brighton, but have a game in hand over the Gunners. The “Citizens” want to win a historic fourth consecutive title in the Premier League.
“While Forest are fighting to avoid relegation, City cannot overlook any opponent in these five remaining games and have no margin for error,” added the manager.
“I’ve been to this stadium and it’s always amazing, but what worries me are the strikers they have. We have to control the strengths they have,” Guardiola said.
City have Phil Fowden available, who scored twice against Brighton. The 23-year-old England international has scored 24 times in all competitions this season.
“I’ve said many times that Phil has a sixth gear. But he can’t play in sixth gear all the time, he has to play in second or third. And I think in time he’ll learn that, on Thursday he was much more good. Everything is so fast. The football has to be slower to surprise the opponent. And today Phil was really good, he attacked at the right time, but he will understand the game with age” , commented Guardiola.
“He loves to play and his work ethic is amazing, the way he runs and presses. We’re really pleased and we hope in the last month that we have him he can’t stop,” added the manager.
City’s last four games are against Wolverhampton, Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham.
Tags: Guardiola hints Holland squad Premier League clash Nottingham Forest
