Predicted Starting Line-Up: Brighton vs Manchester City (Premier League) | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are looking to get back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon as they travel to the south coast to face Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton.

In their last match, the performance was disappointing to say the least as Thomas Frank’s side recorded a 0-2 win at the Etihad Stadium via goals from Richarlison and João Palhinha, coming off the back of a 0-4 away win in Manchester City’s season opener against Wolves.

In the same fixture at the Amex last campaign, it was one to forget for the visitors, as fragility at the back cost Manchester City dearly, as an Erling Haaland first-half goal was cancelled out by a quick-fire Seagulls double courtesy of João Pedro and Matthew O’Reilly.

In the most recent fixture against this weekend’s opposition, the outcome was yet again slightly disappointing, as Pep Guardiola’s men emerged with a solitary point after an unfortunate own goal from Abdukodir Khusanov meant honours ended even at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference before the weekend’s visit to the south coast, Pep Guardiola confirmed Rayan Ait-Nouri would be fit and available for selection following an injury scare against Tottenham last week – a huge boost with the player having excelled since joining from Wolves earlier this summer.

Ahead of matchweek three of the brand new campaign, here is how we predict Pep Guardiola will line up his Manchester City squad for their trip to The Amex Stadium!

Predicted XI

Ederson may return between the sticks, as Pep Guardiola could look to his more experienced shot-stopper this time around following the game against Tottenham, where James Trafford looked uncomfortable at times alongside his error that resulted in João Palhinha’s goal.

This is certainly not to say Trafford could not start as the number one later on in the campaign, but given the current uncertainty around goalkeepers at the club, his age, and lack of experience, City’s veteran No.31 could be a more sensible choice for Guardiola.

Matheus Nunes is likely to return as Manchester City’s right-back. Rico Lewis really struggled to keep up with the pace and physicality of the game last time out against Spurs, so the Catalan manager may elect the Portuguese due to him being a bit stronger defensively.

As far as the centre-back pairing goes, the fitness of City’s Player of the Season last year, Joško Gvardiol, is still unknown, and with Guardiola speaking about the importance of defensive cohesion, City may line up with the same duo as last week in John Stones and Rùben Dias.

After his availability was confirmed in the press conference, Rayan Aït-Nouri is likely to keep his place after fully recovering from an ankle issue that forced him off last time out. Being the club’s only conventional full-back and bringing fresh impetus down the left, the Algerian will undoubtedly make the left-back position his own as the season progresses.

Moving into midfield, and with Ballon D’or winner Rodri’s minutes still being managed, City’s best option as a number six is most definitely Nico, with the 23-year-old having a repertoire of exceptional qualities proving him capable of covering for the No.16 when called upon.

Alongside him, we believe club captain Bernardo Silva may be the perfect compatriot. Manchester City really struggled to maintain control last Saturday and so to combat this, the selection of the No.20 may be a great decision, not only to maintain control mentally through his leadership, but also his exceptional work ethic, ball retention and reading of the game.

In the slightly more advanced role, Tijjani Reijnders is to make his third successive league start. A slightly slow game from the Dutch international last week in comparison to the standards he set against Wolves, but his ability is undeniable, and having a player of his quality with such a complete profile seems almost necessary.

Starting off the front line, Omar Marmoush should occupy the left with Savinho ruled out through injury. The Egyptian will be a definite threat with his electric pace and elite ball striking. The January signing showed glimpses of real sharpness in the early stages against Tottenham, and he will be hoping to replicate that this weekend.

Off the right, we think Phil Foden should make his first league start of the new campaign and will certainly have a point to prove after the struggles of last year for the No.47. The homegrown star will be looking to start afresh, break back into Pep Guardiola’s team and reach the heights of his PFA Player of the Year campaign in 2023/24.

Finally, to lead the line, who else but the record breaker Erling Haaland – who became Manchester City’s top goalscorer in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola recently and will be eager to add to that tally against Brighton.

Starting XI: Ederson; Nunes, Stones, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Nico, Bernardo, Reijnders; Foden, Haaland, Marmoush.

Substitutes: Trafford, Lewis, Khusanov, Akanji, Ake, O’Reilly, Gundogan, Bobb, Doku.