Manchester City vs Brighton Match Preview and Prediction

By John


 It's been a topsy-turvy few days for Manchester City who lost their Premier League (PL) unbeaten record this season (W7, D2, L1) after a contentious 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, only to then be named Club of the Year at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Manager Pep Guardiola must now focus his side on avoiding two consecutive league defeats for the first time since December 2018 in order to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal.


Having recorded nine consecutive home league wins since drawing 2-2 with Liverpool in April, the Cityzens are used to dominating their opponents at the Etihad, and that run coincidentally started with a 3-0 hammering of Brighton. In fact, City have never lost a home H2H (W10, D2) and haven't conceded in any of the last four (W4), suggesting Arsenal's cushy four-point lead at the top could be cut by the time they take to the field on Sunday.


Brighton are struggling to get used to life without Graham Potter, but off-field matters dominated Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest as the club paid tribute to midfielder Enock Mwepu after he was forced to retire with a hereditary heart condition. New manager Roberto De Zerbi is still seeking a first win since taking charge (D2, L2) and the Seagulls have now taken a worrying 54 shots on goal since last scoring!


De Zerbi cut a frustrated figure in midweek even though he said he'd enjoyed his side's performance and he'll need to inspire another one as Brighton try to snap a three-match winless away league run (D1, L2). That sole draw did come at Liverpool though, so the Seagulls will feel they have what it takes to match the PL's leading sides, provided they can either start scoring again or repel what is likely to be incessant City pressure.


Players to watch: Phil Foden has scored four goals across Man City's last three home fixtures, three of them before half-time. Meanwhile Brighton may look to Leandro Trossard for inspiration given he has netted four of their last six competitive goals, including their last three on the road.


Hot streak: Man City have scored 4+ goals in five consecutive PL home games - the first team to do so since Tottenham Hotspur in September 1963.

Fottennis Prediction: Manchester City 3 Brighton 1

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