Defending English Premier League champions Manchester City have made a strong start to the season.
Pep Guardiola’s team have won seven of their first ten games. With twenty-three points he is currently second in the table, four points behind Arsenal. Their first loss of the season came against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in their last game at Anfield.
Then their midweek game against Arsenal was postponed. They will now face a Brighton side who are currently in eighth position in the table. Guardiola’s team will look for the maximum points in this game at the Etihad Stadium, since they don’t want to make any more mistakes ahead of the next World Cup in Qatar 2022.
Now, before the match, let’s take a look at how Manchester City can line up against Brighton.
Manchester City predicted line-up
Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson will take his place under the bar. Ederson has been very good for City all season. Once again, he will have to be at his best against a tricky Brighton side.
After playing a three-defense system in his last match, Guardiola will return to his successful four-defense system. For the first time in the entire season, he will have all his central defenders available.
Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake are expected to start at the heart of City’s defence. Manuel Akanji will once again play as an improvised right back to make room for Joao Cancelo in the left back position.
Spanish midfielder Rodri will start in the defensive midfielder role. Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva will play as No. 8s and complete the midfield trio.
Guardiola decided to bench Jack Grealish in his last game against Liverpool. It was a surprise to many. But now it looks like the England international will be back in the City line-up for their next game against Brighton. He will start in his preferred role on the left.
For his part, Phil Foden will play on the right wing for Manchester City. The England international, who is in great form, also found the back of the net in the last game. However, the goal was disallowed for an offside offence.
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland will be tasked with leading City’s forward line. Since he joined City at the start of the season, Erling Haaland has already scored fifteen goals in the EPL. He drew a blank in his last outing and will be eager to score more goals.
Complete starting eleven
Goalkeeper: Edison
Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Joao Cancelo
Midfielders: Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva
Forwards: Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish
