Manchester City are going through a tough phase as they have now lost three games in a row. While their performance against Tottenham Hotspur is understandable, the same cannot be said about the Bournemouth and Sporting CP clashes.
The Citizens need to bounce back quickly as they don’t have the liberty to slip for too long. Their next game is scheduled against Brighton in the Premier League this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side would like to win it before heading into the Tottenham Hotspur battle.
4-2-3-1 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Brighton
Defence
Conceding four goals in a game is never a happy sight for a goalkeeper. No doubt Ederson will be eager to keep a clean sheet in this game. Pep Guardiola will have to pick between Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker for the right-back role.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was handed his first senior start against Sporting CP. But he is likely to be replaced by Nathan Ake, who will form the centre-back pair with Manuel Akanji. Left-back Josko Gvardiol didn’t have a good game but he continues in the side.
Midfield
In the absence of Rodri, Mateo Kovacic’s selection is automatic. Notably, Kevin De Bruyne got some minutes coming off the bench but he will probably not start this game.
Attack
Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes are likely to make way for Ilkay Gundogan and Jeremy Doku in the starting XI. On the other hand, Phil Foden and Savinho should keep their respective places.
Erling Haaland leads the offensive line once again. He has been struggling to score goals recently and needs to find the back of the net to regain confidence.
While Rodri (ACL) and Oscar Bobb (leg fracture) are long-term absentees, the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones and Jack Grealish will return only after the international break.
