As Manchester City manages a demanding autumn schedule, manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Argentine goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli will start Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium. The fixture kicks off at 19:30 UK time on October 28, marking the first of two back-to-back Etihad fixtures against Fabian Hurzeler’s side in Manchester.
Maresca addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, revealing that a handful of senior squad members have been given a brief break following last weekend’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Aston Villa. With fixtures coming thick and fast, the manager explained that some changes are necessary to keep the squad fresh for the challenges ahead.
Squad Rotation and Rest Periods
Following the setback at Villa Park, City’s coaching staff granted three days of rest to five prominent players: Erling Haaland, Elliot Anderson, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Joško Gvardiol, and skipper Rúben Dias. Maresca noted that the brief holiday was designed to restore full energy levels before returning to training.
After Villa, we gave five players three days off. Erling, Elliot, Gigio, Ruben and Josko. Go away on holiday. Three days off, go, come back. Full energy,
Maresca told reporters.
Enzo Maresca is early for his pre-Brighton press conference.
With those individuals stepping away for a short reset, opportunities open up elsewhere in the squad. Maresca explicitly confirmed that Rulli will feature between the posts for only his second appearance for the club since joining.
Yes [Rulli will play tomorrow]. He’s good. Before I arrived here, I had a conversation with him, he knows his role and that’s important,
Maresca said. Day by day he is helping a lot. When he has played, he was good and tomorrow he will play again.
The manager added that final selections for the starting XI will be made after the team’s final training session before matchday.
Facing a Dangerous Brighton Side
Wednesday’s cup tie initiates a double-header against the Seagulls, who return to the Etihad on Saturday for a Premier League fixture. Brighton has earned widespread plaudits this term for an adventurous, high-scoring style of play that has yielded more goals than any other side in the top flight.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Enzo Maresca will bring CHANGES to his starting XI vs Brighton!He will choose his Midfield with a COIN TOSS.• Heads means Enzo starts.• Tails means Cherki starts.• If it lands VERTICALLY, AYYOUB BOUADDI WILL START. pic.twitter.com/TqtKHj2loK
Fabian Hurzeler’s team advanced to this stage of the competition following a dramatic third-round comeback at Old Trafford, where they overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Manchester United 3-2.
Maresca acknowledged the scale of the test awaiting his side in midweek, pointing to Brighton’s aggressive tactical approach and high attacking volume.
First of all, they are doing very well so both games will be tough,
Maresca said. They are very brave, aggressive and when they have the ball they attack with so many players. They create so many chances. We need to do the right things offensively and defensively.
Tickets On Sale for Carabao Cup Match
Tickets for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash are currently on sale, with adult admission starting at £20 and tickets for under-18s priced at £1. Supporters may purchase up to six tickets per person. Because the fixture falls during the half-term school holidays, club organizers have prepared family-oriented matchday activities, including a Kids Fanzone located just across the road at the City Football Academy prior to kickoff. For supporters seeking a premium matchday experience, hospitality packages are available starting from £100.
