Manchester City are out to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League when they host Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon
Manchester City are looking for a result when they host Brighton this afternoon
Manchester City are looking for a result when they host Brighton this afternoon(Image: Getty Images/Pick the Team)
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Manchester City will play familiar opponents this afternoon when they host Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League. City were victorious on penalties against the Seagulls in the Carabao Cup earlier this week.
The Blues will welcome back a host of first-team players for today's game and Gianluigi Donnarumma is one of them. The first-choice goalkeeper will return between the sticks, despite Geronimo Rulli's heroics in the cup. Matheus Nunes is available again after injury and, if fit enough, should start.
Nunes could be joined in defence by Maresca's preferred centre-back partnership of Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi. Josko Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly are providing fierce competition at left-back but, considering he played in midweek, it could be O'Reilly who drops to the bench today.
In midfield, a well-rested Elliot Anderson should return alongside Enzo Fernandez. Once again, Ayyoub Bouaddi will be pushing to feature and he will be buoyed by Maresca insisting yesterday that there are no undroppables in this squad.
Attacking midfield is a tough choice for the City head coach. Rayan Cherki should start after his impressive leadership display against the Seagulls in midweek. Phil Foden could also keep his place on the left flank. The pair struck up a good partnership in midweek but Maresca suggested he would only play them together when the game suits that combination.
Joining them behind Erling Haaland, who is certain to start, could be Jeremy Doku. The Belgium international was lively when he came on in midweek and that may have convinced Maresca to start him. Iliman Ndiaye will look to make a difference off the bench.
Man City's predicted line-up vs Brighton: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Fernandez; Foden, Cherki, Doku; Haaland
Manchester City predicted line-up to face Brighton in the Premier League
Manchester City predicted line-up to face Brighton in the Premier League
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