Manchester City will continue their celebrations when they travel to face Brighton in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Just a few weeks ago, this game in hand looked like one City would need to win to get themselves ahead in the title race, but a major stumble from Arsenal delivered the title earlier than expected.

As a result, Pep Guardiola can take a step back here and keep his focus on the upcoming Champions League and FA Cup finals, which could yet complete a treble.

Here’s how the boss could set up for this one.

GK: Ederson – Stefan Ortega got to enjoy a run-out against Chelsea but Guardiola may bring Ederson back in here.

CB: Kyle Walker – Walker will likely sit out the final Premier League game of the season, so this could be his last chance to keep up his fitness.

CB: Ruben Dias – Benched for the Chelsea game, Dias is another who could benefit from one last run-out before things start getting serious again.

CB: Aymeric Laporte – Nathan Ake’s return from injury won’t be rushed and his natural replacement, Manuel Akanji, may need a rest after playing an hour last time out.

DM: John Stones – This spot could easily go to Rico Lewis who, if he doesn’t start, will definitely come on for the final half an hour.

DM: Kalvin Phillips – Rodri is too important to risk at this stage of the season, so expect more minutes for Phillips.

RM: Bernardo Silva – Guardiola has so many options for this spot that it’s almost impossible for him to rest all his stars.

CM: Ilkay Gundogan – Gundogan saw no minutes against Chelsea so may need a little refresher here.

CM: Julian Alvarez – Minor fitness issues plagued Kevin De Bruyne towards the end of the season and so he shouldn’t play again until it’s necessary.

LM: Jack Grealish – Another who was given a rest against Chelsea, Grealish will want to keep his sharpness with an outing here.

ST: Erling Haaland – Expect Haaland to be wrapped up in cotton wool once he’s picked up enough minutes to keep his fitness levels.

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