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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Dias and Laporte return — Man City fans pick line up they want vs Brighton

Manchester City fans will be hopeful of a return to winning ways when they host Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League tonight.

City's hopes of a famous treble were sunk at Wembley Stadium on Saturday in a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool. Pep Guardiola rotated his side for the semi final after a gruelling draw at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League the Wednesday before.

Having had a few days to recuperate, Blues fans are hopeful that Guardiola will be able to select some of his first team players again with the aim of reclaiming top spot after Liverpool's win over Manchester United. Take a look at the line up City fans picked using MEN Sport's selector tool:

ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola assesses Ruben Dias injury risk as Man City prepare for Brighton clash

Goalkeeper - Ederson

Second choice keeper Zack Steffen faced stern criticism on Saturday, having been at fault for Liverpool's second after dawdling on the ball. With City heading back into league action it seems inevitable that Brazilian Ederson will return to the starting XI.

Defenders - Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake

Dias is fit to return to the starting lineup for a spell out of action with injury. He has been named on the bench for the past couple of matches and Blues fans believe that now is the right time to reintroduce him to the team.

Laporte is also selected meaning that John Stones will be allowed a rest after being ever-present in recent matches. Ake impressed in defeat helping him to retain his place while Cancelo has been one of City's many stars this campaign.

Midfielders - Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne was rested for the defeat at Wembley and is likely to be raring to go in the centre of the park. Gundogan scored against Brighton last time the two teams met and will no doubt want to recreate that goalscoring touch at the Etihad.

Rodri, like his Belgian teammate, was rested for the FA Cup and could be in line for a return at the base of the midfield. Blues fans are keen to see a fully changed midfield region on Wednesday.

Forwards - Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish

Just the single change up front would see top goalscorer Mahrez return to the City team in place of Raheem Sterling, if fans get what they want. Grealish continued to build his confidence on Saturday by notching another goal and is entrusted to add to that under the Etihad lights.

Manchester City fans' predicted starting lineup to face Brighton and Hove Albion (Pick The Team)

Foden's favoured opponents are the Seagulls making his selection unsurprising. The 21-year-old has scored more times against them than any other team in the Premier League.

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