Manchester City head to Brighton on Saturday, determined to avoid a rare fourth consecutive defeat in the Premier League.
For Pep Guardiola, such a slump is unprecedented in his celebrated career, and City haven’t faced four straight losses since 2008. After their Carabao Cup exit at Tottenham, a Premier League defeat by Bournemouth, and a Champions League loss in Lisbon, the Blues need a positive result at the Amex before the international break.
Despite recent setbacks, City could reclaim the top spot for a few hours with a win, currently holding a five-point lead over Arsenal and chasing leaders Liverpool in what could be a three-way title race.
Guardiola will still be without Rodri, Oscar Bobb, John Stones, and Ruben Dias, but Kevin De Bruyne made a comeback off the bench midweek, and Jack Grealish is back in training. Although both are unlikely to start, City’s midfield options are slowly returning.
Phil Foden made a strong impression in the first half against Sporting and should keep his place, with Bernardo Silva and Savinho also expected to start. Ilkay Gundogan may return alongside Mateo Kovacic to add stability in midfield, though this could mean Matheus Nunes—who has been performing well recently—might miss out.
Erling Haaland will spearhead the attack, while Ederson will start in goal, two assured choices for Guardiola. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey made an impressive senior debut midweek, but Nathan Ake is likely to reclaim his place next to Manuel Akanji. Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis are expected to round out the back four.
Predicted City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan, Bernardo, Foden, Savinho; Haaland.
