Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Manchester City could line up for Thursday’s Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Manchester City are sweating over the fitness of star striker Erling Haaland ahead of Thursday’s Premier League trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Haaland has been nursing a niggling muscle issue picked up in City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid last week, prior to their penalty-shootout loss, and he was forced to miss last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is not sure whether the Norwegian will be fit to feature against Brighton, and the same can be said for a few other first-team stars who are suffering with fatigue amidst City’s hectic fixture schedule.
Bernardo Silva, who scored the winning goal against Chelsea last weekend, revealed after the match that he was “feeling his left hamstring” and “right calf”, so he is set to be assessed ahead of kickoff, as is lynchpin Rodri, who recently admitted that he could do with a well-earned rest.
John Stones and Ruben Dias had their minutes managed last weekend as they played a half each in defence against Chelsea. Both players are in contention to start against Brighton, though, as is Josko Gvardiol who could replace Nathan Ake at left-back after watching on as an unused substitute last time out.
First-choice goalkeeper Ederson is expected to replace Stefan Ortega between the sticks, while Kyle Walker could be fit to start his third successive match at right-back since recovering from a hamstring injury; Rico Lewis is waiting in the wings should his services be required.
Mateo Kovacic could be called upon to link arms with Rodri in centre-midfield, while Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne are both expected to retain their places in the final third. Julian Alvarez could also start against up front if Haaland is not deemed fit to feature, but Jack Grealish – who sustained a knock against Chelsea – could make way for Jeremy Doku on the left flank.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Doku; Alvarez
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