- Man City host Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon
- Champions have lost three domestic games on the bounce
- Rodri returns for the Cityzens after suspension and John Stones could start
“I became a coach because of him,” said Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi of Pep Guardiola after Manchester City’s last clash with the Seagulls. “Pep is still number one.”
Saturday’s clash between City and Brighton & Hove Albion will be a meeting of football philosophers. Both Guardiola and De Zerbi have proven themselves to be two of the Premier League’s finest tacticians, with this weekend’s encounter a battle of minds.
Guardiola will have to be particularly shrewd in his team selection for Brighton’s visit in the knowledge that one misstep will be pounced upon by the man in the opposite dugout. City head into this game with a little bit of pressure mounting after back-to-back league defeats – plus Carabao Cup elimination – and the Seagulls will be looking to ruffle some feathers come Saturday afternoon.
The champions find themselves two points off Tottenham and Arsenal at the summit of the league table and can ill-afford any more slip-ups in their pursuit of a sixth title in seven seasons.
With that in mind, here is how Guardiola could line up to get his side back to winning ways.
Man City predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-2-3-1)
GK:
Ederson – Despite playing twice for Brazil during the international break, including a match in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Ederson will certainly take center stage in the visit of Brighton.
RB:
Kyle Walker – The 33-year-old has started every game this season, keeping three clean sheets in that time. The Man City captain has the speed and stamina to confront Kaoru Mitoma on Brighton’s left wing.
CB:
John Stones – Although it seems a little late for England’s midweek clash with Italy, Stones’ return is great news for Guardiola. Absent since the Community Shield, he featured against Arsenal before the international break and will make his first league appearance of the season.
CB:
Ruben Dias – Guardiola could opt for a left-footed centre-back like Nathan Ake in this role, but Dias’ performances have been overall impressive this season. With Stones regaining form, the Man City boss suddenly has countless options at the centre-back position.
LB:
Josko Gvardiol – The summer signing has made a smooth transition to life in the Premier League, playing brilliantly in Man City’s star-studded backline. Positioned in a narrow left-back position, Gvardiol will need to keep an eye on Simon Adingra after his impressive performance against Liverpool.
CM:
Rodri – Boy, City missed their main enforcer. Rodri’s absence hit like a ton of bricks and they were unable to avoid defeat in any of the three games in which he was absent due to suspension.
CM:
Rico Lewis – The 18-year-old took his opportunity when Rodri left, thriving in the Man City midfield. Mateo Kovacic’s shaky performances mean that the youngster is likely to be given another start this weekend.
RM: Phil Foden – Has endured a quiet season by his lofty standards, but offers Guardiola versatility across the front line. Should reclaim his spot on the right flank in favour of Bernardo Silva.
AM: Julian Alvarez – City’s most in-form player, Alvarez has been at his mischievous best this season. Six goals and five assists in 13 appearances, the Argentine has thrived in an attacking midfield/shadow striker role.
LM: Jeremy Doku – The Belgian has been in and out of the starting lineup but has made a fast start to life in Manchester. With Brighton potentially missing Tariq Lamptey at right-back, Doku’s pace and directness could be unleashed against Joel Veltman.
ST: Erling Haaland – Managed to break his duck over the international break with Norway but had previously gone a staggering four games without scoring. Still, eight goals in eight games is a decent return for Haaland
