The Manchester City Lineup That Should Start Against Brighton

Manchester City could mathematically seal their place in the top four when they travel to the AMEX Stadium to face 15th placed Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side will return to Brighton with fond memories having wrapped up the title there 14 months ago with an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Seagulls.

City finished just one point ahead of Liverpool in a thrilling title race / Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

With their title hopes long gone, and top four almost confirmed, it would make sense for Guardiola to prioritise the FA Cup and Champions League and field a weakened side, as they bid to secure a cup treble.

However, a 'weakened' Manchester City side is often still stuffed full of world class talent.

Here is how they could line up against Brighton and Hove Albion.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Benjamin Mendy has been left out of the two previous Man City squads / Visionhaus/Getty Images

Ederson (GK) - The former Benfica stopper is highly unlikely to lose his place in the starting XI. Ederson has kept 13 clean sheets this season, leaving him just one behind Burnley's Nick Pope in the race for the Golden Glove.

Kyle Walker (RB) - After being left out in favour of Joao Cancelo in the previous two outings, Walker looks set to return. The 30-year old has played 2108 minutes in the league this season - his second lowest total since his first full season in the Premier League.

Aymeric Laporte (CB) - The Frenchman is likely to return to the starting lineup having been benched for the 5-0 victory over Newcastle United. In the reverse fixture, Laporte picked up a knee injury which saw him miss four months of the season.

Eric Garcia (CB) - The young Spaniard may also return after missing the Newcastle fixture. Garcia has made five starts this season, keeping three clean sheets and conceding just two goals in the process.

Benjamin Mendy (LB) - Rounding off the defence could be former Monaco defender Benjamin Mendy. Mendy will be hoping for his first league goal in almost five years, and his first goal in all competitions since signing for Manchester City.

2. Midfielders

Fernandinho has played most of this season in defence / Visionhaus/Getty Images

Fernandinho (CM) - The veteran midfielder could make a return to the starting lineup after being benched in favour of Rodri against Newcastle. 35-year old Fernandinho has played most of the season in defence following injuries to Aymeric Laporte and John Stones.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM) - Ilkay Gundogan will have fond memories of his last visit to the AMEX. The German's brilliant free kick made it 4-1 to City to secure the Premier League trophy.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - Many people's choice for POTY, De Bruyne has been outstanding for City this season. The former Wolfsburg playmaker will be looking to register three more assists in the final four games in order to beat the Premier League assist record, currently held by Thierry Henry.

3. Forwards

Raheem Sterling netted his 24th goal of the season on Wednesday / Pool/Getty Images

Bernardo Silva (RW) - Man City's 18/19 POTY winner made his 150th appearance for the Citizens when he came on against Newcastle on Wednesday. The Portuguese winger will have his eyes on a first league goal in 2020, having failed to net since the 3-1 defeat at Anfield back in November.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - With Sergio Aguero still nursing a knee injury, Jesus remains City's only fit striker. The Copa America champion needs two more goals to equal his best ever single season return in all competitions.

Raheem Sterling (LW) - England international Raheem Sterling is also not far off his best ever goalscoring season. After coming off the bench to net in injury time on Wednesday, the 25-year old took his tally for the season to 24 goals - just one off the 25 he bagged last season.