Early team news: Savinho decision confirmed and major absentee for Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon in yet another hugely important clash for the Premier League’s top-four.

City know that they must simply start winning football matches in order to get themselves in a position where they can qualify for next season’s premier club competition, having lost to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last Saturday lunchtime.

A single goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi in the game’s closing moments secured a mammoth three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men as they opened up a four-point gap in the top-five of the table on the reigning Premier League champions.

As for this weekend’s challengers Brighton, the south coast club have had yet another impressive top-flight campaign, this time under the direction of highly-rated coach Fabian Hurzeler – who succeeded Roberto De Zerbi.

The Seagulls have won all of their last six matches across competitions after a staggering 7-0 away defeat to Nottingham Forest, beating the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United, with the latter coming in the fifth round stage of the FA Cup.

There is little change for Manchester City when it comes to team news with all of Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and John Stones ruled out in the centre of defence, while Rodri and Oscar Bobb continue to be sidelined as they recover from long-term injury problems.

Ahead of the confirmed team news from the ‘City in the Community Etihad Stadium’ this weekend, some initial information has began to filter throughout social media from journalists and sources regarding Manchester City’s starting line-up.

According to the information of reliable early team news source FplToni on X, Pep Guardiola has opted to start Savinho as part of his attacking trio against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.

Additional reporting from the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski has also confirmed that Ederson is absent from the matchday squad to face Brighton, following on from his exit from the Brazil national team squad list on Friday.

The 31-year-old has been replaced in the squad at the Etihad Stadium by Academy talent Spike Brits, while Jeremy Doku is also a confirmed starter for Manchester City against the Seagulls on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola and Fabian Hurzeler are expected to confirmed their respective Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion starting line-ups around 13:45 (UK) on Saturday afternoon.

Now confirmed.