Manchester City will be looking to bounce back from a challenging week as they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. After suffering three consecutive losses, including defeats to Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth, and Sporting CP, the reigning champions are in urgent need of three points to stay in touch with Liverpool at the top of the table. With several key players returning to fitness, including Kyle Walker, Jérémy Doku, Savinho, and Kevin De Bruyne, City will aim to recover their form and get back to winning ways.
Injuries continue to impact City’s squad, with Jack Grealish, Rúben Dias, and John Stones still sidelined, alongside Rodri and Oscar Bobb. Despite this, manager Pep Guardiola has several players available who will look to turn the tide for the team.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1 Formation)
GK: Ederson – Ederson is expected to start in goal as City seeks to shore up their defense. The Brazilian goalkeeper has had a tough time behind a leaky defense recently but will aim for just his third clean sheet of the Premier League season.
RB: Kyle Walker – After a rest midweek, Walker is set to return at right-back. His pace and experience will be key, though his positioning could be tested against Brighton’s attacking threats.
CB: Manuel Akanji – Akanji will partner with Nathan Aké in the heart of defense. The Swiss defender will be tasked with containing Brighton’s threat, particularly Danny Welbeck, who has been in good form.
CB: Nathan Aké – Aké is likely to return to the starting XI, adding much-needed stability to the backline in the absence of Rúben Dias and John Stones.
LB: Joško Gvardiol – Gvardiol, who had an uncharacteristic poor performance in midweek, will need to regain his usual composure against Brighton’s potent attackers. He faces a tough challenge in keeping Ferdi Kadıoğlu quiet.
DM: Mateo Kovačić – Kovačić is expected to fill the defensive midfield role in place of the injured Rodri. The Croatian’s ability to disrupt Brighton’s counter-attacks will be vital.
DM: İlkay Gündoğan – Gündoğan, who only played a brief stint against Sporting CP, will return to the midfield alongside Kovačić. His experience and composure on the ball will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game.
RW: Bernardo Silva – Silva could start on the right-wing. While Savinho is a possible option, Silva’s leadership and playmaking ability make him a key figure for City in this fixture.
AM: Phil Foden – Foden has been a consistent presence for City during their injury crisis. His creativity and energy will be needed in the middle, especially after scoring City’s only goal against Sporting CP.
LW: Jérémy Doku – Doku, who has returned from injury, is expected to feature on the left-wing. His pace and directness will be a threat to Brighton’s defense, as he aims to continue his good form after his return.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland will lead the line as the focal point of City’s attack. The Norwegian striker has been in sensational form, leading the Premier League with 11 goals, and will look to add to his tally against Brighton. After a missed penalty midweek, Haaland will be eager to get back to scoring ways.
Key Notes:
- Injuries: Manchester City’s squad remains hampered by injuries, particularly in defense, with key players like Rúben Dias and John Stones still unavailable.
- Form: After a tough run of results, City will be desperate for a win to regain confidence and avoid slipping further behind in the title race. They will rely on their attacking prowess and experience to take the game to Brighton.
- Brighton’s Threat: Brighton has been a tough opponent this season, and City will need to be at their best to contain their quick counters and attacking flair.
This match represents a crucial opportunity for Manchester City to get back on track and set the tone for the upcoming weeks in the Premier League.
