Brighton & Hove Albion will go in search of their first win under the new manager when they travel to the Etihad Stadium to lock horns with Manchester City.
Roberto de Zerbi’s side were held to a 0-0 draw by Nottingham Forest in midweek, stretching their winless run to four games. They have failed to score in their last three matches, and the dip in form has resulted in the Seagulls dropping to eighth in the table.
The Italian tactician’s team must produce a performance of the highest level on Saturday if they are to claim anything from the trip to the Etihad Stadium.
Brighton Team News
Levi Colwill and Kaoru Mitoma will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s game, De Zerbi said in his presser on Friday morning. An ankle injury kept Colwill and Mitoma both out of the Nottingham Forest game, but could be a part of the travelling squad if they pass late fitness tests.
Meanwhile, Jakub Moder remains a long-term absentee with a knee problem.
Predicted Brighton Lineup vs Man City (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez is expected to start in between the sticks for Brighton. He will need to operate at his highest level to deal with the fearsome and versatile City attack.
Defence
Lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, Joel Veltman, Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster are likely to form the three-man backline in the Brighton lineup. The trio must strive to maintain impeccable coordination throughout the 90 minutes and come up with a plan to keep Erling Haaland and co. quiet at the Etihad Stadium. It will be a mammoth challenge for the visiting Brighton side to stop Haaland at the weekend.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo has cemented his place in the Brighton engine room with impressive displays this season. He is a certainty to start alongside Alexis Mac Allister in the centre of the pitch in the Brighton lineup, with the duo tasked with providing security to the defence.
Leandro Trossard could retain his place as an attacking left wing-back ahead of Pervis Estupinan, with Solly March operating down the other flank in the Brighton lineup. Trossard and March must do their defensive duties diligently whilst stretching the Man City backline from wide areas.
Attack
Adam Lallana was handed a start against Forest in midweek and he will be eager to retain his place in an advanced midfield role alongside Pascal Gross in the Brighton lineup. Starting in advanced roles, Lallana and Gross must combine well and create meaningful chances for Danny Welbeck in the box.
Deniz Undav, Tariq Lamptey, Billy Gilmour and Pervis Estupinan will be available for selection on the bench as they await their chances to make an impact in the second half against Man City if De Zerbi decides to call upon their services.