There’s no such thing as a backheeled volley. That’s what we all thought until a few days ago when Erling Haaland scored a jaw-dropping acrobatic goal against Sparta Praha in the Champions League in midweek.The Norwegian was underperforming for quite some time, but the UCL brace, embellished with that insane goal, has definitely changed everything and reassured us he’s back. Haaland has faced severe criticism for his shy numbers this season, and this could be a proper shift in the right direction.UCL: Haaland’s wonder strike stuns Sparta, Liverpool edge Leipzig to maintain perfect startIt may come at a crucial moment, as Manchester City are struggling with efficiency in the Premier League after both Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri got injured, which massively affected City’s game plan.The last EPL clash at Wolves was a sign of crisis, with John Stones saving Pep Guardiola and his star-studded side from a humiliating draw in the match’s dying seconds. Now, after another successful UCL midweek, the defending champions are looking at today’s challenge with much more enthusiasm.Interestingly, after facing Wolverhampton, the bottom side, the Cityzens now await Southampton, the second-worst team in the entire league. Just like the Wolves, the Saints have won a single point in the opening eight rounds and are already flirting with a return to the EFL Championship.##NAJAVA_MECA_8445516##They have lost three games in a row, and their goal difference of 6:18 speaks volumes.Therefore, it’s reasonable to conclude that Pep’s ruthless machine, led by The Terminator (Haaland’s nickname), should convincingly run over the Saints today at Etihad (5 pm). Liverpool is looking incredibly confident at the summit, and there’s no place for any hiccups and mistakes when it comes to Guardiola’s lot.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 9Friday Leicester – Nott.Forest 1-3 (1-1)/Vardy 23 – Yates 16, Wood 47, 60/Saturday 17.00: (1.95) Aston Villa (3.50) Bournemouth (3.90)17.00: (1.75) Brentford (3.70) Ipswich (5.40)17.00: (1.65) Brighton (3.80) Wolverhampton (5.40)17.00: (1.12) Man.City (10.0) Southampton (16.0)19.30: (2.85) Everton (3.35) Fulham (2.65)Sunday 16.00: (1.80) Chelsea (3.70) Newcastle (4.40)16.00: (4.30) Crystal Palace (3.60) Tottenham (1.85)16.00: (3.05) West Ham (3.60) Man.Utd. (2.40)18.30: (2.50) Arsenal (3.45) Liverpool (2.95)***odds are subject to change***
