5 things to look for-Manchester City vs Brighton and Hove Albion

Manchester City kicks off their Premier League campaign on Saturday when they go up against Brighton. Plenty of things will be able to be derived from the match, from tactics to player performances.

1.Ederson replacing Claudio Bravo

Last season Claudio Bravo became Calamity Bravo, a goalkeeper that looked short of confidence. Pep at the start of the transfer quickly brought in the highly-rated Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson to replace Bravo. Big things are expected of the Brazilian and it will be interesting if he folds or thrives in the pressure.

2. Pep’s tactics

Last season, Pep started with a 3-5-2 formation that failed because of the lack of quality full-backs. With the lack of quality full-backs, teams easily bypassed the wing-backs and caused havoc to the Manchester City defence. For the latter part of the Manchester City’s season, Pep reverted to a back four which allowed for more stability at back but less possession and attacking threat. However, with the signing of Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo, I would expect Pep to go back to the 3-5-2. The opening match against Brighton should allow us to see Pep’s tactics for the rest of season.

3. How will Pep integrate Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero

Manchester City at the moment has a lack of forwards with Kelechi Iheanacho having left for Leicester City. So, if Pep plays the 3-5-2 one would expect Pep to put Jesus and Aguero up top but who’s backup for them? Pep could also put Aguero in certain matches and Jesus in other matches, with both of them alternating being subs for one and another. Another good question that can be answered in the match against Brighton is does Aguero play the majority of matches including the matches against the top 6 or does Jesus start up top against the lesser teams and plays with Aguero against the top 6 teams giving Manchester City an added attacking threat.

4. Will this be the Year of Jesus

My colleague Taras Tataryn recently wrote an article saying that Gabriel Jesus possibly overtaking Sergio Aguero in the pecking order. He undoubtedly has the potential to be the best player in Manchester City and world history. Last season, he showed glimpses of his ability at the end of the season, scoring goals and troubling opposition defences. Whether he replicate his end of season form for the entirety of a season is a big question, Jesus can quash some of those doubts with a fine showing against Brighton.

Related Story: The Year of Jesus

5. Will youth play a part this season

Manchester City’s chairman Kahldoon Al Mubarak has said that youngsters Tosin Adarabioyo, Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden will be given chances in the first team this season. However, Jadon Sancho is pushing for a move out of Manchester City because he fears he will not be given opportunities this season. Pep must try to somewhat reassure Sancho that youngsters will be given a chance this season. Otherwise, I fear youngsters will regard Manchester City as another Chelsea, buying a heap of youngsters but never using them in the first team. Manchester City’s last Academy produced player was Micah Richards, it has been 12 years since the Richard’s debut and Manchester City fans will hope to see another of their own make the step up to the first team.