Manchester City will host Brighton and Hove Albion in a Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday, with manager Enzo Maresca expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Erling Haaland leading the line, according to sports.yahoo.com.
Predicted Lineup and Tactical Shape Against Brighton
The upcoming match follows a recent EFL Cup meeting between the two clubs at the Etihad Stadium on October 28, 2026, where Manchester City secured a penalty shootout victory.
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma returns after being rested during the midweek cup tie. The central defensive partnership will feature Ruben Dias alongside Marc Guehi, tasked with maintaining defensive stability across the ninety minutes. On the flanks, Nico O’Reilly is projected to start at left-back, while Abdukodir Khusanov occupies the right-back position. Both fullbacks are expected to push forward and support the attacking phases when opportunities arise, with Vitor Reis and Rico Lewis available as defensive cover from the bench.
Anderson and Fernandez Anchor the Midfield Pivot
The defensive midfield pivot will feature Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez, whose primary objective is to dictate the tempo and secure territorial dominance in the center of the pitch. Positioned directly ahead of them in Maresca’s attacking midfield trio are Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, and Iliman Ndiaye. This group will be responsible for unlocking the Brighton defense and linking play around the penalty area.
Erling Haaland will spearhead the attack as the central striker, looking to add to his goal tally. Meanwhile, the substitutes’ bench includes Mateo Kovacic, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Phil Foden, and Allan, providing tactical options for the second half.
