Manchester City travel to Brighton this weekend as they look to arrest an uncharacteristic slide in form.
City have lost three matches on the bounce for the first time in over six years after a heavy loss during the week to Sporting Lisbon.
Brighton remain unbeaten at home this campaign, having beaten Spurs and Manchester United at the American Express Stadium.
It is likely that Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley will return to the Seagulls squad this weekend after they trained this week following their respective injury layoffs.
After limping off last week against Liverpool, Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari has recovered, but this game comes too soon for Yankubu Minteh and Lewis Dunk.
Manchester City’s Ruben Dias and John Stones have both been excluded from their international squads as the former deals with a muscular issue and the latter continues to struggle with a foot injury.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Jack Grealish will also miss out this weekend, despite being included in Lee Carsley’s final England squad.
Sights set on the Seagulls! ⏳ pic.twitter.com/qt1zRt1msy
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 8, 2024
Brighton vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news
Form
Brighton: WWDLL
Consecutive defeats to Liverpool have dampened the mood on the South Coast but Brighton will sense vulnerability in this Manchester City side.
Ferdi Kadioglu scored his first goal for the Seagulls with a rasping effort but Brighton couldn’t hold on to their lead as two goals in three minutes from Liverpool burst their bubble at Anfield.
Fabian Hurzeler’s players have only tasted victory on three occasions in their last ten matches, but have already faced some challenging opponents.
After Saturday’s game, they would have already played all of the recognised ‘Big Six’ teams.
Manchester City: WWLLL
The Citizens have lost three successive matches for the first time since April 2018, when a derby defeat to Manchester United was sandwiched between losses to Liverpool in both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals.
Over the last few weeks, Guardiola’s side have looked lethargic as they contend with several injuries in the squad.
Their Carabao Cup exit to Tottenham preceded a first Premier League loss of the season at Bournemouth and a humiliation away in Portugal.
Incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim sent an early message of intent as he thrashed Man City 4-1 with current side Sporting Lisbon.
Even Erling Haaland is struggling, with his penalty against Sporting crashing off the crossbar. The Norwegian has scored just once in his last five Premier League appearances.
Last Meeting: Brighton 0-4 Manchester City, Premier League, 25th April 2024.
Manchester City were unstoppable on the South Coast last time out as they put four past Brighton on their way to their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
The opening goal was a collector’s item, as Kevin De Bruyne found the net with a magnificent diving header that looped over Jason Steele.
PFA Player of the Year Phil Foden doubled their advantage when his free-kick flew past the helpless Steele after taking a heavy deflection off the Brighton wall.
The Seagulls were then the creators of their own downfall. Risky passing around the backline saw Bernardo Silva regain possession before playing in Foden who ruthlessly rolled in his second of the evening.
Julian Alvarez tapped in City’s fourth after the interval. Kyle Walker’s attempt had been smothered by Steele but only into the path of the Argentine, who wrapped up the victory.
Predicted Lineups
Brighton: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Kadioglu, Hinshelwood, Baleba, Mitoma; Rutter, Welbeck.
Manchester City: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Doku, Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland
Who is the referee?
Sam Barrott will be the match official. He will be assisted by Lee Betts and Steve Meredith while Andy Davies will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Jarred Gillett and he will be assisted by Stuart Burt.
What channel will Brighton vs Manchester City be on?
Man City’s trip to Brighton will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go UK and Sky Sports Ultra.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at the American Express Stadium will be at 17:30 GMT on Saturday 9th November 2024.
Odds
Brighton – 31/10
Draw – 16/5
Manchester City – 3/4
