Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could start John Stones in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium.
Stones recovered from a muscle injury in the first Premier League substitute of the season in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal before the international break before playing an hour in England’s 3-1 win over Italy. in the Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday.
The defender, who has also operated in midfield under Guardiola, is looking to make his first Man City start of the season this weekend and could line up alongside Ruben Dias at centre-back to the right of Kyle Walker and or Josko. Guardiol or Nathan Ake on the left.
Man City’s only injury setback is playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who is still recovering from a long-term hamstring problem he picked up in August. Meanwhile, Man City could welcome Rodri into midfield after serving a three-match domestic ban, with the Spaniard expected to return to the starting XI, joined by either Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes or Rico Lewis. from the field
Bernardo Silva played a deeper central role in Arsenal’s defeat, but the Portuguese playmaker is likely to move further back on Saturday and could play on the right as Julian Alvarez moves into a central position behind striker Erling Haaland, who is hoping to avoid a third straight spell. league goalless game.
Phil Foden is also an option to start on the right or left, while Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku, who both started from the bench against Arsenal, will also hope to return to the first XI.
Manchester City possible starting line-up: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Guardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland
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