Here’s our Brighton Vs Manchester City preview, prediction, team news and predicted lineups ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash.
Brighton Vs Manchester City Preview
Manchester City have lost three on the bounce in all competitions for the first time since 2018. Pep Guardiola’s team are not yet in crisis, but it’s certainly a dreadful run of form by their own high standards.
The champions lost to bogey team Tottenham in the EFL Cup, before a shock defeat to Bournemouth and a 4-1 humbling at Sporting CP in the Champions League.
Three straight losses are a rarity for City, but lose a fourth consecutive match and they are in uncharted territory during the Guardiola era.
They will find no comfort in an easy opponent on Saturday, either. Brighton are extremely hard to beat at home, and have made a decent start to the campaign.
The Seagulls are eighth in the table, and ran leaders Liverpool close last time out. Saturday’s match has all the makings of an exciting affair, though both teams will be desperate for a win.
Brighton are unbeaten in five games at home this season, so will pose a mighty challenge to the visiting champions.
However, City have won 13 of the last 15 meetings between the two sides, suggesting they may have their opponents worked out.
We're back at home this weekend! 🙌🔜 pic.twitter.com/JXnhiMZ4VF
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) November 7, 2024
Brighton Vs Manchester City Team News
Injured Brighton trio Solly March (ACL) James Milner and Adam Webster (both thigh) are each nearing a return. All three will miss out on Saturday, but are hoping to be back following the international break.
New signing Matt O’Riley could be involved after a long spell out, as could Joao Pedro. There are big doubts about the fitness of both Lewis Dunk (calf) and Yankuba Minteh (muscle), while Yasin Ayari will probably be involved again as he continues his return from an ankle injury.
Up front, veteran forward Danny Welbeck should start, along with Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma.
City are without Rodri (ACL) and Oscar Bobb (leg fracture) for the foreseeable, with Ruben Dias, John Stones and Jack Grealish all out until after the break.
Kevin De Bruyne completed his comeback recently, though is still more likely to come off the bench as he regains match fitness.
Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker will continue to battle for the starting right-back shirt, with Nathan Ake expected to slot back into defence for youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.
Brighton Vs Manchester City Predicted Lineups
Brighton Lineup (4-4-2):
Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Kadioglu, Hinshelwood, Baleba, Mitoma; Rutter, Welbeck
Manchester City Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Brighton Vs Manchester City Prediction
Both sides have plenty of firepower, but have looked vulnerable defensively at times this season.
City will be hurting from their recent defeats, and need a win to avoid losing ground in the title race.
For that reason, we think the visitors will have enough to beat Brighton, though the hosts will push them all the way.
Another slip-up could happen, but we predict City will bounce back with a victory.
Prediction: Brighton 2-3 Manchester City
