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It's the first time the two teams have met since late October, when City barely held on for a 2-1 win over Brighton at the Etihad Stadium after a late surge from the Seagulls. Brighton's performance has dipped since the new year, with uncertainty around head coach Roberto De Zerbi's future and a slew of injuries affecting their form.
They're struggling to stay in contention for European football, having only won three out of their 13 Premier League games in 2024. Their recent record isn't great, with four consecutive games without a win, including a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Burnley just over a week ago.
In that match, Burnley's Josh Brownhill scored first, but an own goal by Clarets' keeper Arijanet Muric allowed Brighton to even the score. That draw was Brighton's 11th in the league this season, the most of any team. After finishing sixth last season—their best Premier League finish—they're currently 10th, six points behind both Manchester United and Newcastle United, with six games left.
Brighton's next four of six games are at home, where they've only lost once in their last 15 matches. However, that loss was a recent 3-0 defeat to Arsenal. Even though Thursday's game will be tough for Brighton—since they have lost 11 of the last 13 games against City—they've gained four points in their last three home matches against City, including a 1-1 draw last season where Julio Enciso scored a memorable long-range goal that was voted Goal of the Season.
On the other side, Manchester City secured a spot in the FA Cup final after a 1-0 win over Chelsea, just three days after their heart-breaking loss on penalties to Real Madrid in the Champions League. Chelsea had plenty of chances to score, but City’s Bernardo Silva hit a deflected shot that secured the win. City now has a Manchester derby FA Cup final to look forward to, but they need to focus on the Premier League title race.
City's recent form in the Premier League has seen them slip to third after both Arsenal and Liverpool won their matches. Arsenal can extend their lead at the top if they beat Chelsea on Tuesday, but City has two games in hand. Manchester City has an impressive 42-game unbeaten run at the Etihad, but they're facing a tricky stretch with four out of their next five games away from home, starting with Thursday's game against Brighton.
City has had good results in midweek matches, winning 17 of their last 19 Premier League fixtures on Wednesdays or Thursdays. They've also collected 19 points from their last seven away games and have scored in all 13 Premier League games against Brighton.
Despite this record, the only two times City failed to beat Brighton in the league have been in midweek games at the Amex Stadium: a 3-2 loss in May 2021 and the 1-1 draw in May 2023.
Overall, Manchester City is confident going into this match, with their strong away record and goal-scoring ability. However, Brighton has shown resilience at home and could put up a tough fight.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Brighton are dealing with a slew of long-term injuries, including Solly March (knee), Kaoru Mitoma (back), and Jack Hinshelwood (foot). Thursday's game might also be too soon for James Milner (thigh), Adam Webster (unspecified), and Tariq Lamptey (muscle).In addition, Pervis Estupinan had to leave early during last week's draw with Burnley due to an ankle issue. His fitness will be evaluated before kickoff, along with Julio Enciso (knock), Evan Ferguson (ankle), and Billy Gilmour (knee), who are all questionable.
If Estupinan isn't fit to start, Igor Julio or Valentin Barco—who was linked with Manchester City in January before joining Brighton—could take his place at left-back. In attack, Ansu Fati, who scored in the last match at the Etihad, will be competing with Simon Adingra, Facundo Buonanotte, Adam Lallana, and Joao Pedro for a starting spot.
As for Manchester City, they're anxious about the fitness of top scorer Erling Haaland, who missed last weekend's FA Cup semi-final due to a persistent muscle issue. He wasn't seen in training on Tuesday, along with in-form attacker Phil Foden, casting doubt on their availability for Thursday's game.
Pep Guardiola might rotate his squad given that many of his players are showing signs of fatigue. Rodri recently admitted he needs a rest but might still start in midfield. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva mentioned after the FA Cup semi-final that he's feeling discomfort in his left hamstring and right calf, so he'll be assessed before the game.
John Stones and Ruben Dias, who trained recently, were carefully managed last weekend, playing only 45 minutes each against Chelsea. They could start against Brighton, as could Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and Kevin De Bruyne, all of whom have recovered from minor injuries.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Igor; Gross, Baleba; Adingra, Lallana, Pedro; Welbeck
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Doku; Alvarez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Brighton 1-2 Manchester City
Brighton has had more than a week to rest and get ready for Thursday's crucial match, which is key to their chances of qualifying for European competition. Despite the extra time to prepare, their injury-hit squad faces a tough challenge against Manchester City, who are gunning for the Premier League title and can't afford to lose any points at this stage of the season.
Given the history between these teams, we can expect goals. In eight of their last ten Premier League meetings, at least three goals have been scored. City has the better record in those matchups and will be the clear favorites, even if star striker Erling Haaland can't play. Brighton is struggling with injuries and form, so they'll need something special to beat a City team that's on a mission.
