Manchester City and Brighton have confirmed their starting lineups ahead of tonight’s crucial Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side desperately needs to pick up three points tonight to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side sits six points clear of City at the top of the table and a win tonight will see City move within three points of Arsenal before the Gunners take on Liverpool tomorrow. Manchester City face a tough Brighton side who can be a handful and who beat City 2-1 earlier this season at the Amex Stadium.
Manchester City enter tonight’s match with a host of players unavailable due to injury and international duty. Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush continue to be unavailable due to their participation at the African Cup of Nations. Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Savinho and Oscar Bobb are all ruled out due to injury.
Nico is available for tonight’s match after missing Manchester City’s 1-all draw with Chelsea. The Spanish midfielder has recovered from a knock on the knee and his return is welcome news for City.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has made five changes to the starting lineup that drew with Brighton. In comes Nathan Ake, Abdukodir Khusanov, Max Alleyne, Nico and Jeremy Doku. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are out of tonight’s match due to injury. Rodri, Rayan Cherki and Nico O’Reilly all drop to the bench.
Starting lineup: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir husanov, Max Alleyne, Nathan Ake, Nico, Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland.
Substitutes: Trafford, Cherki, Rodri, O’Reilly, McAidoo, Mukasa, Lewis, Mfuni, R. Heskey.
Brighton
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Our #MCIBHA starting XI… 👊 pic.twitter.com/SZdDfrN9HS
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 7, 2026