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Manchester City vs. Brighton: predicted starting XI

ByLaura Graves|
(From L) Manchester City's Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester City's English midfielder Jack Grealish react as they attend a team's training session at Manchester City training ground in Manchester on October 10, 2022, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League group G football match FC Copenhagen. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
(From L) Manchester City's Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester City's English midfielder Jack Grealish react as they attend a team's training session at Manchester City training ground in Manchester on October 10, 2022, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League group G football match FC Copenhagen. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
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Rodri

After one of the only positive performers in the previous game, Rodri will keep his place. He’s also due his goal after the spectacular one vs. Copenhagen was outrageously ruled out.

De Bruyne

After a midfield mash up from Pep at Anfield. A failed and hideous, Frankenstein like experiment. I don’t think we will see De Bruyne isolated on the right wing again. The Belgian is at his best when he has freedom to link up with attackers all around the box.

Bernardo

Again, along with Ederson and Rodri, the only other player who can hold his head high. Silva was arguably City’s MotM that day and Liverpool fans are still crying over the coffee thing. Dubbing him the Premier League’s most “unlikeable” player. HA. HA.

Grealish

Interesting stat – we have never lost a game he has started! A massive lesson learnt after last weeks’ defeat was all the quality Calves Out brings to the side. Despite criticism since he joined Manchester City for lack of goals and assists, he brings much more and that was hugely missed in the last game – a game that was calling for everything he has.

Baseless Grealish Criticism

Foden

Controversially had his cute goal disallowed at the weekend, however, didn’t manage to take advantage of being up against boring Grandad Milner at all. An opinion I will always stand by is that he is much more effective on the right – though great anywhere. An off game at Anfield, I expect him to keep his place after excellent home form this season.

Haaland

Well, he hasn’t scored for 2 games and quite frankly, it isn’t good enough (WINK). We need another hat-trick performance to make up for it. We all miss him scoring. Didn’t get the service at Anfield.

Interestingly, Pep has made lots of substitutions this season – when we have been winning. We thought Pep had gotten over this phobia of subs, but it seems he needs some exposure therapy. Let’s go again this weekend!

We win together, and we lose together! What do you say, blues? CTWD!!!

What are your predicted starting XIs for the Manchester City vs. Brighton showdown?