(Football news) Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will welcome Brighton at the Etihad Stadium, hoping to secure the three points in a must-win fixture and reclaim their lead at the top of the table. Pep Guardiola's team will want to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final as the team is still competing on two fronts this season and would like to deny their opponents a quadruple.

City’s form has raised questions as they haven’t won any of their last three fixtures in all competitions but a match against Brighton could be the perfect opportunity to get back on track and get some much needed momentum. As for Brighton, they have won their last two matches against Arsenal and Tottenham but face a firmer test against City who have scored the most goals in the league (42). 

In team news, Kevin De Bruyne could feature in the starting XI after featuring on the bench against Liverpool but Kyle Walker is expected to miss out due to a twisted ankle. Cole Palmer is also unavailable due to an ankle injury but the rest of the squad is at Pep Guardiola’s disposal for this crucial fixture. The likes of Ederson, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte are expected to play in defence while the midfield trio of Rodri, Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne (if fit) could easily outclass Brighton. 

As for the visitors, Tariq Lamptey is doubtful for the fixture after being taken off due to injury against Spurs while Jakub Moder and Shane Duffy are unavailable for selection. Steven Alzate is currently unwell and could miss this encounter and Graham Potter is expected to go with the same starting XI that got the result against Tottenham. Many eyes will be on Trossard because he has the chance to be the first Brighton player in history to score in three consecutive away games.

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