A dip in form late in the season has seen PL records move farther and farther away from league leaders Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side seem to have lost some of the spark that landed them the league trophy in style this season. They were held to a 0-0 draw by Huddersfield Town at the weekend at Etihad and will look to bounce back with a win when they host Brighton & Hove Albion in the penultimate game of the season for City.
The Seagulls, who travel to Anfield next, have already secured their top-flight status and are fresh off a victory over Manchester United at home. They will look to put in a similar performance this week but Guardiola will not allow any complacency to set in and will go for all three points. Here is the predicted lineup The Citizens might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, star striker Sergio Aguero remains the only absentee from the first team squad for this clash. Vincent Kompany is back in training after nursing a muscle injury and might make the bench against Brighton.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Ederson had a rather comfortable night against the Terriers and will hope to have a similar outing against Brighton. He will start under the bar with Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte starting in the CB roles. Stones did not have a great time at the weekend and might be pushed to the bench.
Fabian Delph did not last the whole game against Brighton and might be back in the starting XI at left-back for this game while Kyle Walker might be given a rest, giving Danilo a start at right-back.
Midfield:
Guardiola used his best options in the midfield at the weekend but failed to get a result. Fernandinho might be rested for this game, giving Ilkay Gundogan a run in the no.6 role. Kevin de Bruyne was withdrawn early in that game and might keep his place in the midfield for this clash.
David Silva had a busy game and will most likely have to be involved again, adding creativity to the City midfield.
Attack:
With Sergio Aguero absent, Gabriel Jesus remains Pep’s best option to lead the line. The young Brazilian will be helped by Leroy Sane on the left flank and Bernardo Silva on the right flank, giving Raheem Sterling a break.
Here is how they might line up:
