Manchester City host Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon looking to extend their lead at the top of the table. The Blues beat the Seagulls on penalties in the Carabao Cup earlier this week and now face the same opponents in league action.
Donnarumma and Nunes return
Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to return in goal despite Geronimo Rulli's cup heroics. Matheus Nunes is available again after injury and, if fit enough, should start in defence alongside the preferred centre-back partnership of Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi.
Josko Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly are competing for the left-back spot, but having played in midweek it could be O'Reilly who drops to the bench today.
Midfield and attack options
A well-rested Elliot Anderson should return in midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez. Ayyoub Bouaddi will push for a place, buoyed by Maresca insisting yesterday that there are no undroppables in the squad.
Rayan Cherki should start after his leadership display against the Seagulls in midweek. Phil Foden could keep his place on the left flank; the pair built a good partnership in midweek, though Maresca suggested he would only play them together when the game suits that combination.
Jeremy Doku could join them behind Erling Haaland, who is certain to start, after a lively cameo in midweek. Iliman Ndiaye is expected to make an impact off the bench.
Predicted City line-up: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Fernandez; Foden, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.
