Manchester City is determined to avoid a third consecutive top-flight defeat, something they haven't experienced since 2016. Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion is hoping to break a four-game winless streak in all competitions. The international break in October provided a well-timed breather for Man City, allowing them to regroup after an unusual series of three defeats in four matches across all competitions.
During this period, their only success was a 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League. After recent setbacks against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, City had hoped that their win over Leipzig would spark a turnaround as they faced Arsenal in the top-flight. However, a lackluster performance and a late deflected goal by Gabriel Martinelli resulted in a narrow 1-0 loss in North London. This marked the second consecutive league defeat under manager Pep Guardiola.
Against the Gunners, Man City managed just one shot on target, the fewest a Guardiola team has recorded in a league fixture in over a decade. As a result, the reigning top-flight champions currently find themselves in third place on the table, trailing Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur by two points after eight games.
City's recent dip in domestic form coincided with the suspension of their key player, Rodri, and a temporary drop in Erling Haaland's goal-scoring form before his impressive performances with the Norwegian national team. Nevertheless, Guardiola is confident that his team will bounce back and strive for a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.
After a series of unconvincing away matches, Man City will be relieved to return to the Etihad, where they have won their last 20 games across all competitions, setting a club record by scoring 65 goals and conceding just 10 in the process. They also have a strong history against Brighton, having never lost in 13 previous home league meetings, winning 11 and drawing two. City has won their last nine home encounters with the Seagulls by a combined score of 24-3, including a 3-1 victory last season.
Brighton has also experienced a recent decline in form, winning just one of their last five matches in all competitions. However, they managed to salvage 2-2 draws in their last two games against Marseille and Liverpool in the Europa League and Premier League, respectively.
While Brighton's attacking prowess has earned them praise, their defensive vulnerabilities have been evident this season, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their 11 games across all competitions since their 3-0 win against Arsenal in May.
Brighton heads into the Etihad contest after failing to win their last three away matches. Notably, they did secure a 3-1 victory at Manchester United in September. In league fixtures, Brighton has only beaten Manchester City once, with a 3-2 home win in May 2021, although it was after City had already clinched the championship.
Brighton is motivated to secure another victory this weekend, which could propel them above Guardiola's team, currently sitting in third place in the Premier League table.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester City's primary injury concern revolves around Kevin De Bruyne, who is dealing with a hamstring issue. On a positive note, John Stones is back in contention and could potentially make his first Premier League start of the season. Stones recently recovered from a muscle problem and featured for an hour in England's 3-1 victory over Italy during Euro 2024 qualifying on Tuesday.Pep Guardiola has the benefit of welcoming Rodri back into the lineup following his three-game domestic suspension. The Spanish midfielder is expected to resume his role in the deep-lying midfield position. He'll likely partner with one of Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, or Rico Lewis.
Bernardo Silva, who played in a deeper midfield role against Arsenal, is set to compete with Phil Foden for a spot on the right flank. On the left, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku are vying for a starting position, while Julian Alvarez is expected to support Erling Haaland in the attack.
As for Brighton, they have several players sidelined with injuries. Julio Enciso and Jakub Moder are both dealing with knee injuries, and Pervis Estupinan is recovering from a muscle issue. In addition, James Milner and Tariq Lamptey are doubtful for the match and will be evaluated before kickoff.
Kaoru Mitoma, who withdrew from the Japan squad during the international break due to illness, is likely to be fit for the upcoming match and could return to the starting lineup. He may join Joao Pedro and either Evan Ferguson or Danny Welbeck in the attack.
In the absence of Estupinan and potentially Lamptey, Solly March might continue to play as a makeshift left-back, with Simon Adingra retaining his position on the right wing.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Steele; Veltman, Dunk, Webster, March; Baleba, Gross; Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 4-2 Brighton
Brighton's dynamic and possession-oriented style of play this season has been fruitful in the attacking department. However, their defense has shown vulnerabilities, and this could be a significant concern when they face a determined Manchester City side eager to recover from recent setbacks and secure a win on their home turf.
