Brighton v Manchester City: Preview and possible line-ups

TEAM NEWS 

Brighton & Hove Albion 

Chris Hughton will be disappointed that his side have failed to improve on last year's solid debut campaign in the Premier League, but the Seagulls boss should be proud of his teams efforts to avoid relegation. The 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City - their fourth successive loss - left their nearest rivals within touching distance of survival, while Brighton were left to contemplate the toughest run-in of any team in the top flight. Brighton were also unfortunate to suffer a last minute defeat to Spurs, but it was another performance that will suggest to Hughton that he still has a united squad at the Amex Stadium. Although goals have proven to be a mejor problem for Brighton, Murray has netted 12 of their 34 goals this season, but Hughton knows that it is imperative that a long-term replacement is found for a player who turns 36 years of age in September.

Manchester City 

Man City have put themselves on the brink of a successful title defence, but Pep Guardiola is aware that the club are only one bad result from being left to contemplate what would be considered a disappointing campaign. City still have the opportunity to add the FA Cup to their EFL Cup success regardless of what happens on Sunday, but the club will be left feeling deflated if they cannot end the season with either the Premier League. The level of investment at City since Guardiola's arrival has only raised expectations at the Etihad Stadium, and losing their grasp of the top-flight crown would be considered a significant blow. Last week, City struggled for large parts against a Foxes side who were relishing the opportunity to show that they are more than just an offensive side, but Kompany's 25-yard winner produced one of the moments of any season in recent years.

MANAGER'S THOUGHTS 

Chris Hughton 

"If we'd been asked at the start of the season would we settle for retention in the Premier League and getting into the semi-finals (of the FA Cup), which was very exciting for this football club, I think we would have taken it."

"We'll always reflect on it but the reality is we haven't finished dramatically too far away from where a level of club in a second season in this division should finish."

"The unfortunate thing when you speak about City is you can't speak about one player as they have so many threats and so many good players."

Pep Guardiola 

It's a dream to be here. I didn't expect months ago when we were seven points behind this Liverpool team, to be in the position that we are in now. I didn't expect it. Now is not the moment to say how well we have done. We have the chance to be champions if we win our game and that's what we have to do"

"We have analysed them this week. We know how well they defend. It is always difficult. We just have to focus on the game we play."

"It is better to focus on what we have to do. If we win we don't have to look at anything else. Why should we be distracted by anything else."

RECENT FORM 

POSSIBLE LINE-UPS 

Brighton & Hove Albion

Ryan; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bernardo; Stephens, Bissouma; Knockaert, Gross, March; Murray

Manchester City 

Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Laporte, Zinchenko; Foden, Gundogan, D.Silva; B.Silva, Aguero, Sterling