Ilkay Gundogan and Aymeric Laporte start in predicted…

Ilkay Gundogan and Aymeric Laporte start in predicted Man City XI vs Brighton

If Sunday was about celebration, Wednesday will be about preparation. With the title wrapped up, Manchester City will be eyeing the FA Cup final in 12 days time with two matches to play in the interim.

Brighton have been one of this season’s surprise packages and will play European football for the first time ever next term. They are guaranteed at least a place in the Europa Conference League, although manager Roberto De Zerbi is keen to qualify for the Europa League.

The Seagulls boss was hailed as one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years by Guardiola on Tuesday. It indicates that he will not be approaching the trip to the AMEX half-hearted, albeit is still likely to play a rotated side.

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A much-changed XI took to the field for the title party at the Etihad at the weekend as the Blues were 1-0 winners over a beleaguered Chelsea. Guardiola is now tasked with balancing rest time and match fitness for several players.

He will be keen for some to keep their sharpness topped up ahead of two gigantic finals - FA Cup and Champions League - while others may benefit more from a rest ahead of Brentford on Sunday. Nathan Ake looks unlikely to play a part in either game although he is closing in on a return.

Guardiola could revert to a back four against a dangerous Brighton who have scored 70 Premier League goals this season, more than top-four teams Manchester United and Newcastle.

Ederson is likely to return with Rico Lewis dropping back to right-back to hand Kyle Walker a rest. Guardiola has been mindful to manage John Stones amid historic injury problems and he might be benched again with Ruben Dias partnering Aymeric Laporte - seemingly destined for an exit - in the centre of defence.

In the hope of keeping a more sturdy back line, Manuel Akanji could be moved to left-back for Sergio Gomez. Kalvin Phillips enjoyed his full City Premier League debut at the weekend and could make it two consecutive starts as Rodri is rested.

Ilkay Gundogan did not feature at all against Chelsea so will likely come back in to keep his match fitness at a sufficient level with Kevin De Bruyne starting after being benched last time out.

Jack Grealish failed to come off the sidelines at the Etihad and so may start ahead of Phil Foden with the unused Bernardo Silva also coming back in on the right. Erling Haaland will likely start before being brought off at some stage of the game, probably for Chelsea match-winner Julian Alvarez.

Predicted XI: Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Laporte, Akanji; Phillips, Gundogan; Grealish, De Bruyne, Silva; Haaland.

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