The crucial Premier League clash Manuel Akanji will miss for Manchester City after Brighton red card 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been dealt a fresh selection blow after a notable red card. 

Manuel Akanji was dismissed during Manchester City’s hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

First-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland saw the Sky Blues race into a 2-0 lead, however the Seagulls halved the deficit in the 73rd minute through Ansu Fati, as Brighton rallied in search of a late comeback. 

Manchester City’s victory was their first domestically since a win over Nottingham Forest last month, with Pep Guardiola’s side having suffered back-to-back losses in the Premier League for the first time since 2018, prior to the international break.

Saturday’s clash against Brighton was the first of several key upcoming fixtures for Manchester City, as a potential battle emerges between themselves, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham for the Premier League title.

The Blues face Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham over the course of the next fews weeks, with City having lost to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium earlier this month.

Guardiola welcomed Rodri back to the Manchester City starting side for Saturday’s win at the Etihad Stadium, after the Spaniard served a three-match suspension for a red card.

Player suspension will continue to cause Guardiola a selection headache however, after Manuel Akanji was sent off for Manchester City in the 95th minute.

The 28-year-old was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card, and as a result will face a one-match suspension.

Akanji will now miss next Sunday’s crucial trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the derby.

The centre-back has started 11 matches for Manchester City so far this season, but will be unavailable for next weekend’s Premier League clash.

The Swiss defender featured in all three matches against Manchester United last season, with City facing their local rivals in both the Premier League and Emirates FA Cup.