Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23s will look to record a league double over Manchester City when they visit the Academy Stadium this evening, kick-off 7pm.
The Seagulls sealed an emphatic 5-0 victory over the Citizens back in August, and Simon Rusk’s side currently find themselves second in the Premier League 2 Division 1 after 16 matches.
Albion, who occupy second position, are four matches unbeaten in the league and sit just four points behind leaders Everton, following a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on the south coast last time out.
City have taken just one point from their previous four league matches, but find themselves only six points behind the Seagulls, despite losing consecutive matches 5-1 to West Ham United and Arsenal.
With a number of Albion’s under-23 players out on loan, Rusk is likely to call upon a number of under-18s, with the likes of Ryan Longman, Jack Spong and Danny Cashman featuring for the Seagulls in recent games.
Aside from the Sussex Senior Cup, Rusk’s team only have league matches remaining this season, and victory in Manchester will strengthen their challenge for the league title in their debut season in the top flight.
Albion supporters can follow a live text blog on the Match Centre this evening, with a report and reaction to follow after the full-time whistle.