Such is Man Man City’s embarrassment of riches, quality players will be desperate for game time, while Maresca has also attempted to bed in young talents such as Floyd Samba and Ryan McAidoo.
However, the strength of City’s next opponents may call for star names to continue in their starting roles.
Erling Haaland was a doubt for City’s games against AEK Athens and Aston Villa but is fully fit and could lead the line again for City.
In behind Haaland, City have multiple options. Phil Foden has been in fine form of late and his hopes of a starting role for Man City’s Premier League games could be bolstered with another strong display against Brighton.
Jeremy Doku has been involved but not as much as he would like, so expect to see his playing time concerns eased with a start. Summer signing Allan is still getting to grips with life in the Premier League, with more game time against top-flight opposition valuable.
Jeremy Doku could start for Man City again
Getty
In midfield, Ayoub Bouaddi could come into the team alongside Mateo Kovacic. In defence, Rico Lewis looks set to start at right-back, while Nico O’Reilly’s is an option to replace Josko Gvardiol on the opposite side.
A centre-back pairing of Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov worked well against Norwich in the last round and Geronimo Rulli was handed his City debut. Though, Maresca might be tempted to go with his first choice, Gianluigi Donnarumma in between the sticks.
Predicted Man City XI: Donnarumma; Lewis, Reis, Khusanov, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Bouaddi; Allan, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Injured: Semenyo
Time and date: 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Venue: Etihad Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports