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Manchester City vs Brighton: Carabao Cup Clash Preview and Lineups

Manchester City will face Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night in a Carabao Cup fourth-round match. The fixture promises to be fascinating as it features the Premier League leaders against the division’s top scorers. This game kicks off a two-match sequence between the teams, with a Premier League meeting set for Saturday at the same venue.

Brighton’s squad will remain in Manchester throughout the week, focusing on recovery and adjustments, as explained by their manager Fabian Hürzeler. Meanwhile, City’s coach Enzo Maresca has indicated a flexible approach, possibly involving rotation that might add some surprises to the lineup.

Score Prediction: Brighton to Cause Trouble for City

Both teams arrived at last weekend’s Premier League fixtures confident. Maresca had maintained a perfect record with seven wins, while Brighton had impressively won four games, scoring 15 goals without conceding. Despite solid performances, both sides suffered setbacks—City losing due to two costly mistakes against Aston Villa, and Brighton falling to Liverpool despite dominating many statistics.

These managers are known for their tactical acumen, suggesting an entertaining encounter ahead. The outcome may hinge on each side's priorities. Brighton’s coach described this cup match as "do-or-die," whereas Maresca seems open to rotating players. If that holds true, Brighton could deal City another defeat.

  • Head-to-head since 2024–25 season start: Manchester City have played 22 top-flight clubs and beaten 21; Brighton is the sole exception.
  • Offensive strengths: Both clubs lead the Premier League in scoring but show defensive vulnerabilities.
  • Defensive risks: City already concedes the highest quality chances in the league, a weakness Brighton may exploit.

Prediction: Manchester City 2–3 Brighton

Expected Lineup for Manchester City

Maresca rested five key players over the weekend to ensure they return refreshed. Uncertainty remains about how many of stars like Erling Haaland, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Marc Guéhi will start midweek. Donnarumma is confirmed on the bench, with goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli starting. Guéhi, despite recent struggles, might be given a break.

Matheus Nunes is doubtful due to injury, and Antoine Semenyo will miss several weeks.

  • Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Lineup: Rulli; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Aït-Nouri; Bouaddi, Anderson; Ndiaye, O’Reilly, Doku; Foden

Expected Lineup for Brighton

Brighton faces mixed injury news. Mats Wieffer and Yankuba Minteh have returned to the squad and will travel with the team, though their starting roles are uncertain. Chema Andrés and Ferdi Kadıoğlu remain doubtful after suffering painful knocks but might still play. Pascal Struijk and Kaoru Mitoma are unavailable.

  • Formation: 4-2-3-1
  • Lineup: Verbruggen; Costinha, Vušković, Dunk, Boscagli; Groß, Hinshelwood; Gómez, Ayari, De Cuyper; Kostoulas

Match Details

  • Location: Manchester, England
  • Stadium: Etihad Stadium
  • Date: Wednesday, October 28
  • Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. GMT / 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT
  • Referee: Andrew Madley

Broadcast Information

  • United States: Paramount+
  • Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
  • Mexico: Disney+ Premium Mexico
  • United Kingdom: Sky Sports+

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