Enzo Maresca has decided that today is the day to unleash his formidable Manchester City midfield trio

Enzo Maresca has decided that today is the day to unleash his formidable Manchester City midfield trio It has always seemed that it was a matter of time before Enzo Maresca started Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez in midfield for Manchester City. The question was when that trio would start together. That trio did play the second half of Manchester City’s 4-2 defeat to PSG together. That glimpse of what they could offer in midfield as a unit was full of promise. The answer as to when Manchester City’s trio of .midfield signings would start together has come. They will all start today against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium as Enzo Maresca has picked his moment to unleash what looks to be Manchester City’s strongest midfield unit. Enzo Maresca has decided that Manchester City need strength in midfield against Brighton. Manchester City take on a quality Brighton side at the Etihad Stadium today. Fabian Hurzeler’s side sits third in the Premier League table. Their attacking football, midfield quality and high-octane press are all features of their play. To combat this and to try and control the tempo of today’s match, Enzo Maresca has decided to start Ayoubb Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez in midfield. On paper at least that looks to be a wise decision from the Manchester City manager. The games of Bouaddi, Anderson, and Enzo Fernandez do seem to complement each other. Bouaddi can sit in the number six role and sweep up any danger. He is also a threat in possession. Elliot Anderson looks to be freed up to play a more advanced role. This should suit the strengths of Anderson’s game. Enzo Fernandez should be the more advanced midfielder of the trio. Everything on paper with Bouaddi, Anderson, and Enzo Fernandez does seem to fit. Also, the trio are all strong in possession to attempt to play through Brighton’s press. If they can, and control the midfield today it could set Manchester City on their way against Brighton. How the new-look City midfield fares today may be key to Enzo Maresca’s side beating a very good Brighton side who will not sit back at the Etihad Stadium. Today seems like the ideal moment for Enzo Maresca to fortify City’s midfield. Also, Enzo Maresca’s decision to start Bouaddi, Anderson and Enzo Fernandez is a nod of respect to Brighton. The Seagulls have been one of the elite teams to begin the 2026-27 season. They sit third on the Premier League table and are a free-flowing attacking outfit. The decision by Maresca to start Anderson, Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez illustrates how highly he rates this Brighton side. Fortifying the midfield looks to be a wise decision for Manchester City. It will be fascinating to see how today’s match unfolds in midfield. On paper, Enzo Maresca has selected the strongest City midfield both in and out of possession. That decision could shape today’s game, but it is exciting to finally look forward to seeing Bouaddi, Anderson and Enzo Fernandez start together against a quality Brighton outfit at the Etihad Stadium.