Rodri Set to Make Explosive Return as Man City Eye Brighton Clash

Following Gameweek One, the football world was eager to crown Manchester City as the 2025–26 Premier League title winners, and their customary loss to Tottenham Hotspur may not have changed that perception significantly.

Tottenham simply possess a knack for defeating Pep Guardiola's Citizens, though last weekend's loss differed from most previous encounters. Thomas Frank's squad dominated proceedings at the Etihad, making it far from a fortunate victory.

Therefore, assessing Guardiola's team quality at this early stage proves challenging, but their upcoming fixture on the south coast should provide more insight into their true potential.

Here's the expected City formation against Brighton.

Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Brighton (4-2-3-1)

GK: James Trafford—While Ederson stays at City, he won't feature in the starting eleven until after the transfer window closes (assuming he remains). Therefore, summer signing Trafford, despite his costly error in last week's loss, will start once more.

RB: Rico Lewis—Guardiola will likely favor Lewis over Matheus Nunes when tasked with marking Kauro Mitoma in individual battles.

CB: John Stones—The England defender has maintained fitness throughout the season's opening, and should retain his spot in Guardiola's lineup at the Amex.

CB: Rúben Dias—City might offload several center-backs before the summer window closes, potentially including Manuel Akanji. Despite Joško Gvardiol's full fitness, the same defensive partnership from the opening two matches could continue.

LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri—Though Gvardiol and Nico O'Reilly remain options, Aït-Nouri appears set to play a crucial role in this Man City squad following his summer arrival. The manager has confirmed his availability after last week's injury concern.

CM: Tijjani Reijnders—Reijnders couldn't replicate his impressive Gameweek 2 debut performance, as Spurs effectively neutralized his impact. Can this dynamic Brighton midfield achieve similar success?

CM: Nico González—Nico should maintain his position, though expect Rodri to reclaim his starting role following the international break. The Spanish midfielder has received a national team call-up.

RW: Phil Foden—An injury sidelined Foden during the Wolverhampton Wanderers victory, but he featured as a substitute in the Spurs defeat. He must regain prominence after last season's difficulties.

AM: Bernardo Silva—Given uncertainty surrounding Rayan Cherki's fitness, Bernardo may need to operate in the attacking midfield role.

LW: Jérémy Doku—The Belgian winger is expected to replace Omar Marmoush on the left wing, likely targeting Mats Wieffer, a natural midfielder, on Brighton's defensive right side.

ST: Erling Haaland—After being contained by Spurs previously, Haaland will seek goals at the Amex this weekend. He benefits from numerous creative players around him.