It’s another tough Premier League clash for Manchester City on Saturday, as the Cityzens welcome Brighton the Etihad.
Matters get no easier for Pep Guardiola and his struggling side who welcome 7th place Brighton to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, in the final round of fixtures before the March international break.
There’s no denying that the break comes at a good time for Man City who lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest in their last game; dropping down to 5th place of the Premier League table in the process, having now lost three of their last five in all competitions.
It’s stark form compared to Fabian Hurzeler’s side. The Brighton boss spoke fondly of Guardiola in his pre-match presser suggesting that the City boss remains the best manager in the world right now.
Hurzeler’s Brighton have won their last six in all competitions and could leapfrog Man City with a win on Saturday, or draw level on points with a draw.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Manchester City team news latest ahead of Brighton
On the team news front, it’s largely as it was for City. Nathan Ake faces a stint on the sidelines and looks set to miss the remainder of this season at the very least.
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Elsewhere, fellow defender John Stones is injured and he may well have played his last game for City, with suggestions that Man City will look to sell Stones during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Oscar Bobb, Rodri, and Manuel Akanji also remain sidelined for Guardiola right now.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Brighton, Omar Marmoush returns
Given the size and quality of the Manchester City squad, and what was a poor performance at the City Ground last time out, we could expect a few changes form Guardiola on Saturday.
Matheus Nunes continues to put in poor performances and so expect youngster Rico Lewis to retake his spot at right-back. The rest of the defence should remain unchanged.
Bernardo Silva also struggled against Forest, as he has done all season, and Guardiola might choose to replace him with Mateo Kovacic who he rested against Forest, with Kevin De Bruyne also returning to the XI after being rested against Forest as well.
Meanwhile in attack, Guardiola is planning to play Omar Marmoush on the left next season and this next game against Brighton could be the perfect chance to trial that, should De Bruyne return to the no.10 spot.
Here’s how we think Manchester City could line up against Brighton…
Ederson (GK)
Gvardiol
Dias
Khusanov
Lewis
Kovacic
Nico
Marmoush
De Bruyne
Savinho
Haaland