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Fitzwater dreams of 'perfect game' in bid to stifle Haaland

Manchester Evening News

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January 10, 2026

EXETER defender Jack Fitzwater accepts he may have to play the perfect game to stop Erling Haaland today - and even that might not be enough.

- By ANDY HAMPSON

Yet that will not prevent the 28-year-old and his teammates from dreaming of a giant-killing as the League One side travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in the FA Cup third round.

As a centre-back, Fitzwater could be in the firing line as the prolific Haaland, scorer of 26 goals in 27 appearances for City this season, bids to add to his tally.

It is a daunting challenge but one he is relishing.

Fitzwater said: “He is, pound for pound, the best number nine in the world and, for me, being a centre-half hopefully coming up against him, it would be great for me to try and test myself against him and see what it's like.

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