Manchester City play the first of their double-header with Brighton and Hove Albion tonight when they host them in the Carabao Cup

Manchester City are aiming for a response tonight when they host Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round. The Seagulls have started the campaign well and will return to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday for a Premier League encounter. Enzo Maresca confirmed in his Tuesday press conference that he would be making changes between the two games.

City's 'weaker' side is likely to play the Carabao Cup game. Second-choice goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli will start after Gianluigi Donnarumma was given a three-day holiday by Maresca. Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias have also been granted time off, confirming changes in defence from the weekend.

Rico Lewis came off the bench against Aston Villa and Maresca praised his display on Tuesday. He could start at right-back with Abdukodir Khusanov pushed into the centre to partner Vitor Reis. The duo played alongside each other in the last round of this competition. Nico O'Reilly completes the back four.

Elliot Anderson is also absent this evening, so a return to the starting XI for Ayyoub Bouaddi seems inevitable. Enzo Fernandez could also be afforded a rest, so long as Mateo Kovacic is fit enough to start.

In attacking midfield, it is difficult to predict whether Phil Foden or Rayan Cherki will be picked. Both players played a half against Villa at the weekend. You would imagine both will feature against Brighton this week, and it is a toss of a coin who starts tonight. We have backed Foden to get the nod.

On the left wing, Allan could be given another chance to shine. He was electric against AEK Athens and impressed during the clash with Norwich too. On the opposite flank, Ryan McAidoo deserves a start after a positive performance against Villa at the weekend.

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Leading the line in Erling Haaland's absence, as the striker enjoys his short break, could be Floyd Samba. The teenager has earned the trust of Maresca and starting him against Brighton feels logical.