Manchester City are back in Premier League action as they face Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.
The two teams are separated by just one point, and have the advantage over some of their other competitors in Arsenal and Aston Villa that they don’t need to contend with European football for the rest of the season.
Here are five things to look out for as City and Brighton clash:
The performance of Baleba
Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Fulham FC - Premier League Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
One of many names to be linked with a potential move to City in the summer is Carlos Baleba.
The 20-year-old can play as a holding midfielder or slightly more advanced, and has all the physical and technical qualities needed to succeed in a Guardiola team.
He’s technical, aggressive, powerful and still young and able to develop, which would make him a very sensible looking signing.
It’s unlikely to happen as City don’t like dealing with Brighton and their tough negotiating (they’d probably demand more than the £115 million they sold Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for) but it’ll be interesting to watch how he performs against the sky blues.
Mitoma targeting City’s right back
Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Fulham FC - Premier League Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
In another subsection focusing on the away side, they’ll be looking to use Karou Mitoma as their main outlet.
The Japanese forward was another excellent buy at approximately €3 million signed in 2021, and has been one of the best wingers in the Premier League ever since.
Brighton turned down €95 million for him from Al-Nassr in the January window and he’s kicked on another gear since, and will be looking to target City’s weakest spot at right back.
Rico Lewis is a good one vs one defender when he’s in form and is excellent technically, but will probably struggle against Mitoma’s pace.
Matheus Nunes, meanwhile, can match him physically but isn’t as good as a defender.
Either, it’s a significant weak spot (and has been all season) and will be targeted by Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
Who starts up front with Haaland?
Nottingham Forest FC v Manchester City FC - Premier League Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The same old question rears its head again.
Frankly, none of the attackers have been in great form. Jeremy Doku and Savinho were poor against Forest so I expect them to sit this one out.
Omar Marmoush was good on the left wing against Newcastle United, so I think he’ll start against the Seagulls.
The other side remains to be seen, with Oscar Bobb still out. If I had to guess, I’d say Savinho, with Phil Foden as the number 10, though I certainly don’t predict that with any great amount of confidence.
Empty seats at the Etihad
Manchester City FC v Everton FC - Premier League Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
It was shown on Twitter that you could still buy a ticket in most parts of the ground just the day before the game, which means we’re likely to be in for a quiet Etihad Stadium.
It’s hardly surprising. The ticketing situation is the talk of the town at the moment, and this is exemplified further by the fact that tickets for tomorrow are being sold at a minimum of £61.
The club have been selling tickets to third party sellers and are refusing to confirm whether prices will go up again next season.
It’s causing the vibe and atmosphere to change around the club, which will be further exemplified against Brighton.
Any result!
Manchester City v Plymouth Argyle - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
With City at the moment anything could happen. They could perform as they did against Newcastle United, but they could also perform like they did against Nottingham Forest.
City at their best will beat Brighton, as good as the team from the south coast are. But there’s no guarantee that we see City at their best again for the rest of the season.
The slightly easier schedule does make me think we’ll see a much fresher City 11. This, along with home advantage, therefore gives me hope we’ll see a good performance and win, but only a fool would put too much confidence in City right now.