Brighton v Man City – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Brighton host Manchester City City have won 25 of their last 30 league matches but come into this game on a three-match losing streak across all competitions. Brighton have lost five of their last six matches against Pep Guardiola’s side, conceding 17 goals.

Brighton Form

Brighton have lost their last two matches, both against Liverpool. They suffered a 3-2 home defeat in the Carabao Cup, followed by a 2-1 away loss in the league at Anfield last weekend. Prior to these losses, they had suffered only one league defeat all season. A recent four-match winless run included home draws against Ipswich and Nottingham Forest.

After a 4-2 loss at Chelsea (with an xG of 4.16 against), Brighton managed a comeback win, beating Tottenham 3-2 after trailing 2-0 at half-time. A 1-0 away victory at Newcastle showed defensive solidity, but they later squandered a 2-0 lead at home against Wolves, ending in a 2-2 draw. The back-to-back defeats against Liverpool followed.

Brighton Team News

Solly March, James Milner, and Adam Webster remain sidelined due to injury. Despite five players being concerns, at least three are expected to be fit for selection. Lewis Dunk should return to reinforce the backline.

Yasin Ayari should be fit to start in central midfield, but Matt O’Reilly, Joao Pedro, and Yankuba Minteh are all awaiting late fitness tests.

Brighton Motivation

The Seagulls will aim to play on the front foot and challenge the champions, viewing this match as a “free hit.” While a draw would be a good result on paper, Brighton are unlikely to sit back to absorb pressure, as this isn’t their typical style.

Man City Form

City were on a 31-match unbeaten league run before their loss last weekend, marking three straight defeats across different competitions. A run of three draws in four matches had been followed by five consecutive wins, but their form has faltered since.

Three recent losses include a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup with a rotated squad, a 2-1 league loss to Bournemouth where they allowed 2.04 xG and six big chances, and a midweek 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon, despite 73% possession and a 20-9 shot count.

Man City Team News

Oscar Bobb and Rodri remain long-term absentees, with Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, and John Stones also set to miss out. Ilkay Gundogan and Jeremy Doku could return to the starting lineup, while Kevin De Bruyne is available again after his injury. Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake are expected to start after recent absences.

Man City Motivation

City will be highly motivated to end their losing streak and go into the FIFA break on a positive note. Guardiola’s side will look to exploit Brighton’s vulnerable defense, using pace on the wings and aiming for direct balls to Haaland.

Key Stats

Brighton’s last 6 EPL matches have produced 23 goals (12 conceded, 11 scored).

Brighton have lost only 2 of their 10 EPL matches this season (4 wins, 4 draws).

Man City have won 24 of their last 30 league matches (5 draws, 1 loss).

Man City have lost their last 3 matches in all competitions.

Erling Haaland has scored 11 EPL goals this season in 10 matches (6 times as the first goal).

Verdict

Given current form, this match could go either way, but Haaland’s speed against Brighton’s leaky defense could tip the balance in favor of an away win.