Barcelona is in a hell group qualification in which there are 3 giant clubs there. Once one of them is lost, they will have a lower chance to be qualified for the next step. And here, Barcelona also has really tough opponents and matches. After the defeat by Inter in the last match, they will fight against Inter in the next match on Oct 13. This match will be likely the deciding match for both clubs, who has the greater ability to qualify for the next stage. It seems the two will be competing very tightly.
It's hard really not seeing Barcelona to be the threat here. A few years or seasons back and they would have been our favourite choice to winning the UCL trophy. Now, they struggle to earn a ticket to the round of 16! We might as well see them to the Europa real soon.
I agree with you. Manchester City's midfield is very strong. Manchester City's forward players are able to perform brilliantly with the help of strong midfielders. But Haaland is a very talented player. So he is able to score consistently in every match. However, if Haaland was replaced by Lewandowski or Mbappe, Manchester City would have been able to score a lot of goals. Almost every player in Guardiola's squad is very talented.
No doubt, Erling Haaland has found himself in the best team that suits his talent and has found favour with Pep since his arrival in Manchester City with his goal scoring ability. Now, his just the big dog in the house and has his assurances in and for the team. I don't know but, I won't want to trade players with him for either of the names mentioned above. They might be great players but, it doesn't mean every player would be better at Manchester City.