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Ivory CoastMaresca confirms Donnarumma remains Manchester City number one
Enzo Maresca says Gianluigi Donnarumma remains Manchester City goalkeeper despite Gerónimo Rulli penalty heroics against Brighton.
Maresca backs Donnarumma after Rulli heroics
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the first choice goalkeeper. Gerónimo Rulli impressed in the Carabao Cup against Brighton, saving two penalties in a shootout win. Donnarumma was given a short holiday alongside four other players this week.
When asked if Rulli could take over as number one, Maresca was clear. He said, "No, absolutely not from my point of view. He's working well but he knows exactly his role, and there's not any doubt about it."
City battle back in cup tie
City came from behind twice to draw 2-2 at Etihad Stadium before winning 4-3 on penalties. Brighton scored first through Malick Yalcouyé. Mateo Kovacic leveled the score, but Georginio Rutter put Brighton ahead again. Rutter also had a shot tipped onto the bar by Rulli and hit the side netting after rounding the keeper.
City equalised when Vitor Reis deflected in a Rayan Cherki free kick following the arrival of substitute Jérémy Doku. Kovacic missed his penalty in the shootout, but Rulli saved efforts from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to send City through. City will now face League One Bradford in the quarter finals.
Rematch coming in Premier League
The two sides meet again on Saturday in the Premier League at the same venue. Both teams made 16 changes combined for the midweek tie. Maresca and Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler are likely to return to full strength teams for the weekend match.
Maresca praised Brighton, noting that they score three, four, or five goals every game and attack front foot, man to man. He stated that City knew it was a tough game and expect the exact same test on Saturday.
What it means for the next game
Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League, Sat, 31 Oct): Manchester City win 56%, draw 22%, Brighton & Hove Albion win 22%; expected goals 2.10 to 1.27. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.
RB Leipzig vs Manchester City (Champions League, Wed, 04 Nov): RB Leipzig win 29%, draw 23%, Manchester City win 48%; expected goals 1.44 to 1.91. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.
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