Manchester City host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad this afternoon, looking to return to winning ways after last weekend’s 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.
Pep Guardiola has a real job on his hands to secure a top-four Premier League place come the end of the season, allowing the side to qualify for the Champions League after his dismal campaign.
However, they also face a side in the hunt for a European spot, with just a point separating the Seagulls from the defending champions with just ten games remaining.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
The meeting between the two sides will likely be a cagey affair given what is at stake, with the Citizens needing to make home advantage count to strengthen their grip on a top-four position.
If Guardiola is to get the better of Fabian Hurzeler this afternoon, he will need to brutally drop one player from the side after struggling to make an impact in recent weeks.
Why Guardiola needs to drop Phil Foden
Attacking midfielder Phil Foden was a crucial part of the City side that won the Premier League last year, claiming the PFA Player of the Year award as a result of his performances.
However, he’s struggled to match such a feat this time around, only notching seven goals in the league, failing to find the back of the net since the end of January.
Foden
His showing against Forest last weekend was one to forget, featuring for 69 minutes before being replaced after managing just 34 touches during his time on the field.
The 24-year-old only managed to make one pass into the final third, failing to find the back of the net himself, and was unable to set up any of his teammates in the process.
As a result, the manager needs to drop the Englishman, replacing him with one player who’s been a shining light during a tricky period for the club on the pitch.
The player who needs to replace Foden against Brighton
With just one goal in the last three league outings, Guardiola desperately needs a change in fortunes in the final third to hand the likes of Erling Haaland the opportunity to find the net once more.
Foden has been unable to do so in recent weeks, resulting in his potential withdrawal from the side, with Omar Marmoush desperately needing to return to the starting eleven after starting on the bench last weekend.
man-city-etihad-stadium-omar-marmoush
The Egyptian joined the Citizens in a £59m deal from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, already having an immediate impact after his big-money move to Manchester.
The 26-year-old has netted three goals in his nine appearances to date, with all of his efforts coming in the victory over Newcastle United a couple of weeks ago.
Marmoush, who’s previously been dubbed “unbelievable” by boss Guardiola, will have a point to prove after being left out last week, having the skillset to improve the current pack of goals.
He’s averaged 2.8 shots per 90 in the Premier League since his move, creating 1.4 chances per 90 in the process - having the skillset to provide himself and his teammates with frequent opportunities.
Omar Marmoush's stats for Man City in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals scored
Passes completed
Shots taken
Chances created
Crosses completed
Fouls won
Stats via FotMob
The attacker has also completed 83% of his attempted passes, whilst completing 1.8 crosses per game - with his set-piece delivery potentially offering a different dimension to Pep’s star-studded attack.
A win is a must this afternoon if the club are to feature in the Champions League once again next season, with the financial benefits huge if they are to continue their overhaul of the squad.
Marmoush has the talent to catapult the side to victory, with this afternoon’s clash yet another opportunity to showcase why he should be starting on a regular basis.
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