Premier League 2025-26: Brighton-Manchester City, the likely lineups

Manchester City opened the season with a bombastic 4-0 win at home to Wolves: a double from Haaland, goals from Reijnders and Cherki, and the illusion that they had already found the right gear. But the enthusiasm was very short-lived. On the second day, the Etihad was frozen by the 0-2 loss against Tottenham: a clear defeat that rekindled the ghosts of the worst moments of last season.

Now Pep Guardiola has little alternative for a new trend invesion: against Brighton only one thing is needed, victory. But the Seagulls are hungry, too. Fabian Hürzeler’s team is still winless and aims to take advantage of the home factor: the Amex Stadium, Brighton’s home since 2011, is a tricky ground. And the last precedent proves it: last season, it ended 2-1 for the hosts.

The match between Brighton and Manchester City is scheduled for 3 p.m. Italian time on Sunday.

Probable lineups

Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Hinshelwood, Ayari; Mitoma, O’Riley, Minteh; Rutter. Coach: Hurzeler.

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Ruben Dias, Ait Nouri; Nico Gonzalez, Reijnders; Bobb, Bernardo Silva, Doku; Haaland. Coach: Guardiola.

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