How pivotal will the Erling Haaland absence be for Manchester City?

When it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net, few strikers in world football are as prolific as Erling Haaland. 
 
The Norwegian was hugely influential in bringing the Treble to Manchester City last season, winning the Premier League Golden Boot along the way. 
 
His goals have continued this season but a foot injury has caused havoc not just for City but for plenty of online betting sites too. 

City getting by without Haaland 

Following a run of 4 Premier League games without a win, the news that Erling Haaland was missing their trip to Luton Town last weekend was worrying for the blues. 
 
However, City found a way to out gun the Hatters before overcoming Red Star Belgrade too in the Champions League, proving they can win without Haaland. 
 
However, there are many sterner tests to come and if Haaland is to miss a few games, that could have an impact on City this season. 
 
Pep Roulette

Few managers in the world tinker with the same lack of abandonment that Pep Guardiola does but Erling Haaland is not normally a player rotated. 
 
In his absence, Guardiola has once again shuffled the pack, with Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Oscar Bobb all having been deployed up front in the last two games. 
 
With plenty of quality players in the ranks and a world class manager too, City won’t be getting much sympathy from the competition that Haaland remains absent. 
 
Serious challenges ahead 

Having won the Premier League in 5 of the last 6 seasons, Manchester City always start the campaign as favourites with most EPL betting apps. 
 
As ever, they are balancing the Champions League and FA Cup too this season and they have an upcoming appointment at the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. 
 
How City would love to have their key man back in Erling Haaland when they get going in the competition on 19th December, as they bid to become FIFA Club World Cup Champions.