Man City lineup vs. Brighton: Predicted XI for Premier League clash

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is expected to revert to a strong starting lineup for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium.

A rotated Citizens side beat the Seagulls on penalties in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday following a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes, and a host of first-team stars are in line for an immediate recall.

Despite Geronimo Rulli’s EFL Cup heroics, Maresca has insisted that Gianluigi Donnarumma remains his first-choice goalkeeper and will return between the sticks on Saturday.

With Matheus Nunes (muscle) still doubtful, Abdukodir Khusanov could start at right-back, joining captain Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol in a four-man defence.

Elliot Anderson was among the City stars rested in midweek and is set to return in centre-midfield where he could link up with Ayyoub Bouaddi who has made a notable impression when presented with first-team opportunities.

This could therefore see Enzo Fernandez moved into an advanced central position and playmaker Rayan Cherki – who has played more games than any other City player this season (13 out of 14) – drop down to the substitutes’ bench.

Phil Foden played the full 90 minutes against Brighton, but he could still retain his starting spot on the right side of attack, while Jeremy Doku is likely to take the place of Allan on the left flank.

Leading the line will be goal machine Erling Haaland, who has netted 13 goals in just 11 appearances across all competitions this season, while he has also scored seven goals in as many games against Brighton.

Manchester City possible starting lineup:

Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Bouaddi; Foden, Fernandez, Doku; Haaland

> Click here to see how Brighton & Hove Albion could line up against Manchester City