Albion travel to Manchester City as Roberto De Zerbi’s men pursue their first victory at the Etihad, writes Anujit Vijayakumar.

The Seagulls’ displays this season have often been nothing short of exhilarating, but let’s assess the threat Manchester City bring to the equation.

Pep Guardiola implements a structure of 2-3-5 when in possession. Their previous outing at Arsenal against the Gunners showed the 52-year-old utilising a 4-1-4-1 structure off ball.

Considering the extreme attacking nature of the system, the 2-3-5 shape allows his forwards and central midfielders to exploit the spaces in behind the oppositions defence.

Guardiola’s defence is constructed to maximise the potential of playing through opponents’ press and break down low blocks. They are competent at making line breaking passes, but are also adept at retaining possession, recovery pace, anticipating and seeing out danger by making tackles and interceptions.

To ensure the fluidity and cohesion of his defence, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker have been nailed on starters so far this season, with others rotated to complement the pair. With Rodri returning from suspension, the Spanish manager will be breathing a sigh of relief.

The midfielder’s absence has certainly been pivotal to City’s recent struggles, and his presence could rejuvenate his side, considering he’s the fulcrum of the City team. Undoubtedly City’s most influential player, Rodri’s IQ, reading, awareness and vigilance are traits that cannot be duplicated.

The 27-year old’s principal responsibility is to certify that transitions are stopped at the root and not allowed to grow. The Spaniard’s remarkable endurance and durability has also made him a mainstay in Pep’s team and a thorn for opponents.

With the defenders and Rodri nullifying threats, the two midfielders are tasked to attain positions between the lines on the inside channels to link up with Haaland. Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez have thus far performed their roles exceptionally well.

However, with Albion’s midfield rebirth in the form of Carlos Baleba, Mahmoud Dahoud and Billy Gilmour, the Seagulls appear to be equipped to deal with the threats.

The City wingers are required to hold width, hugging the touchline to attain 1v1 situations and draw the fullback towards them to create room for the midfield eights.

Albion haven’t shied away from Guardiola’s side and have met them stride for stride in their previous outings. De Zerbi’s men have in fact held their own, notching a 1-1 draw when the two sides last clashed in May.

However, De Zerbi’s employment of a high line and a high press could prove cause for concern, taking into account Haaland’s standout hold up play. The Seagulls defence will have to particularly watch out for runners in behind, and skipper Lewis Dunk will have to operate on full tilt to neutralize Haaland’s threat.