Manchester City look to reignite their title challenge against Brighton & Hove Albion at Etihad Stadium.
Victory would see City reduce their deficit to league leaders, Arsenal down to a single point, whilst Brighton could go seventh with a win if Liverpool fail to beat Nottingham Forest in the lunchtime kick-off.
Team News
John Stones could return for Man City after missing their last five matches with a hamstring injury.
Kyle Walker (groin) and Kalvin Phillips (shoulder) remain absent.
Brighton could be without Levi Colwill after he missed their midweek goalless draw against Forest with a knock.
Karou Mitoma (ankle) and Jakub Moder (knee) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Man City have lost just one of their last seven league meetings against Brighton (W6, L1).
- Brighton are winless in five previous league visits to Etihad Stadium (L5), during which they scored one goal and conceded 13 goals.
- Phil Foden has scored in each of Man City’s last two home matches against Brighton (W2).
- Erling Haaland has scored 13 goals in City’s last six matches at home in all competitions (W6).
- Pervis Estupinan has been booked in two of Brighton’s last three away matches.
Prediction
Having gone two consecutive games without scoring, it feels easy for the shallow fans to start panicking about City but they’re still four points off the title lead and have the experience needed to quickly reignite their goalscoring record.
Their defeat at Liverpool though exposed how vulnerable Man City can be to counter-attacks which probably is Brighton’s best hope, whilst isolating Erling Haaland up front with tight marking can also cause issues for Pep Guardiola’s Citizens when on the attack in creating chances.
Brighton meanwhile were absolutely dominant on attack against Forest in midweek yet poor end product prevented them from getting a win, yet they did also encounter stubborn defending and counter-attacks which I think they will need to replicate themselves here.
This match though feels like City’s to lose given their home form in this fixture and also have had extra rest due to not playing in midweek, which should help freshen them up here but they might need to be wary of Brighton’s aggressive attacking threat in terms of pace and movement.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Brighton
Result: Manchester City 3-1 Brighton
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