Mahrez up-front, Zinchenko starts at left-back – Manchester City vs Brighton (Team News)

Manchester City welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Etihad Stadium this afternoon as they look to continue their impressive run of form. With the Blues’ two games in hand they can go within a point of Manchester United in first.

Here’s how Pep Guardiola’s lined up for this one…

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After struggling with COVID-19 through the start of 2021, Ederson has recovered and resumes his duties in goal. At right-back, Joao Cancelo continues to impress in that slot. Whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko is enjoying an extended run in left-back – and the formidable centre-back pairing of Ruben Dias and John Stones returns. 

In midfield, Rodri continues his role from the weekend despite Fernandinho’s dominant performance in the Manchester Derby. Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan also resume their partnership.

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

After scoring a brace at the weekend, Bernardo Silva plays off the right. With the scorer of City’s third goal Phil Foden playing off the left. That leaves the striker spot to Riyad Mahrez, with Guardiola opting to keep his false nine formation. 

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