Discover Pep Guardiola’s predicted lineup for the Manchester City vs Brighton clash in Matchweek 3 of the 2025/26 Premier League.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola may look to make up to three changes for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.

The Sky Blues are aiming to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur — a match that also saw summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri forced off with a first-half knee problem.

Despite that setback, the left-back has been called up by Algeria for their September internationals, and the national federation has indicated that City plan to involve him against the Seagulls.

Whether Guardiola opts to start Ait-Nouri remains uncertain, with Nathan Ake and Nico O’Reilly both available as alternatives. Ake filled in last weekend, but O’Reilly could be handed the nod in a backline otherwise featuring Rico Lewis, John Stones, Ruben Dias, and James Trafford.

Trafford, who was at fault for Spurs’ second goal, is expected to retain his place in goal given ongoing uncertainty over Gianluigi Donnarumma’s proposed move and Ederson’s future.

In midfield, Rodri could return to the XI for around an hour’s action, while Bernardo Silva is also pushing for a recall. That may see Oscar Bobb drop out, with Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Omar Marmoush continuing in support of Erling Haaland, who is set to mark his 100th Premier League appearance.

Manchester City vs Brighton: Predicted XI

Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Dias, O’Reilly; Rodri; Cherki, Silva, Reijnders, Marmoush; Haaland