Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League)

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Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League)

After another full week off from action, Pep Guardiola’s men return to the Etihad Stadium this weekend to face an in-form Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Premier League champions produced a somewhat disappointing display last weekend at the City Ground, failing to capitalise on an opportunity to take points from a massive rival in regards to a tight race for Champions League football next season.

Three points will be invaluable for City as they only sit one point above visitors Brighton and two behind Chelsea in fourth. Despite fifth being confirmed as a Champions League place next season, Pep Guardiola’s men will be eager to seize the opportunity to make their position in the division’s top five more secure.


Despite City’s frailties, losing nine games – more than any other season under Guardiola, the Blues’ home record still remains relatively good, with performances being significantly more convincing at the Etihad, winning eight out of 13 home league fixtures.

Manchester City have also experienced a significant upturn in form since the arrival of reinforcements brought in the winter, with the likes of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov continuing to make a hugely positive impact.

In terms of fitness, there are no positive updates on returns, with John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji all ruled out for an extended period. Oscar Bobb still is yet to have a scheduled return date with his recovery taking longer than expected.

The Norwegian was also left out of the international squad for the fixtures later this month, while Rodri remains relatively far away from making any kind of return to first-team football despite being pictured back individually training with the ball at his feet.


With a sizeable number of first-team players ruled out for long periods, let’s take a look at how Pep Guardiola could line up Manchester City as they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium in an incomparably significant Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon!

Predicted XI​

Ederson will likely remain as the starting shot-stopper for Manchester City despite a costly error of judgement last weekend, with his ability with the ball at his feet integral to a more direct approach in recent weeks alongside making key saves at times.

Mattheus Nunes will begin the back-four amid recent appearances proving to go relatively well, offering help both defensively and offensively, and with City’s defensive injury woes, the Portugal international is likely to maintain his starting spot.

Ruben Dias and Abdudokir Khusanov seem nailed on as the centre-back pairing, with Manchester City’s January signing only improving as the weeks go on, and with the Sky Blues’ injury woes at the back, the pairing seems irreplaceable at the moment.


Josko Gvardiol will complete the back four, with the Croatian one of the Champions’ most consistent performers this season, appearing to have made the left-back position his own due to his ability both defensively and through his constant goal threat.


In midfield, Nico will be partnered by Mateo Kovacic in our prediction as they aim to be the heart of this Manchester City side, needing to work exceptionally hard to win back and maintain the ball in a double pivot against an excellent pressing side.

It will be three in attack ahead of the midfield duo, starting with Savinho off the right, with the Brazilian’s pace and trickery a persistent threat. On the left, Omar Marmoush will return, with the Egyptian’s dangerous runs in behind a nuisance for opposition defenders.

In the number 10 role, Phil Foden will look to exploit space left unoccupied by Brighton, and with his exceptional technical ability, he will help to be the conductor of our frontline, helping the Blues maintain possession whilst also being an ever-present goal threat.


Erling Haaland will lead the line for the reigning Premier League Champions as the ever-present, imperious goal threat up front for Pep Guardiola’s side eyeing his 100th goal contribution of his career in the English top-flight.


Starting XI: Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Khusanov, Gvardiol; Nico, Kovacic, Foden; Savinho, Haaland, Marmoush.

Substitutes: Ortega Moreno, Lewis, Reis, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, McAtee, Grealish, Doku.

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