City's pressure makes Brighton's first receiver and next pass central to the cup tie. At Sunderland, both projected teams alter the usual route from buildup to the striker. The common issue is whether a recovery becomes a useful attack before the opponent resets.
City have shown an attack without Haaland through Foden's exchanges with Lewis and runs beyond the defence. Brighton still created opportunities against Liverpool, and their forward access gives them a way to challenge City's changed defensive spine. Gross and a linking forward are the expected anchors for that response.
Maresca has reported rest for Haaland, Dias, Gvardiol, Anderson and Donnarumma, with Rulli confirmed to start. Brighton's official update puts Minteh and Wieffer in contention, while Chema and Kadioglu have new hip concerns after playing the last match. I expect Brighton to seek the pass beyond City's initial pressure and attack the resulting space. That's why I'm siding with Brighton to keep the contest close.
Brentford's strongest continuity is Sangare behind Damsgaard and the forward receivers. Sangare supplied distribution and recovery work at Hull, while Damsgaard's delivery helped create the equaliser and Anthony added further attempts. Sunderland's projected cup changes remove Xhaka, Le Fée and Brobbey from the starting connection together.
Damsgaard's recent substitute appearance is backed by a current official fitness improvement. Reports disagree with some suspension flags for Janelt and Danso, so neither exclusion is assumed. I expect an early test of both changed buildup units, followed by Brentford seeking Damsgaard between the lines and the next delivery. That surviving connection is why I'm siding with Brentford.
