Following the back-to-back losses at the hands of Liverpool in EFL Cup and Premier League, Brighton now face the challenge of defending champions Manchester City. Both teams enter American Express Stadium on Saturday, 9 November for Round 11 of Premier League. The Citizens will also be focused on stepping up their game after a horrible spell of three successive defeats across all competitions.
Brighton vs Manchester City: Match Preview
Brighton have featured a solid start to Premier League this season with four victories and four draws, losing only against Liverpool and Chelsea. Currently sitting eighth in the table, the Seagulls are determined to maintain their form as they push for a coveted spot in European competition. Brighton had secured an early lead against Liverpool previously with a 14th-minute opener by Ferdi Kadioglu. However, Cody Gakpo’s equalizer in the 70th minute and a decisive goal from Mohamed Salah made the Albion leave the pitch empty-handed.
On the other hand, Manchester City have endured the most challenging period under Pep Guardiola’s management. City got knocked out of EFL Cup against Tottenham by a 2-1 loss and followed that by tasting the same defeat against Bournemouth in Premier League. Making their situation more dire, Portuguese side Sporting humiliated English defending champions with a 4-1 scoreline. With the only league defeat against Bournemouth, Manchester City are now second in the standings, two points behind the table leaders Liverpool.
Brighton vs Manchester City: Head-to-Head
Manchester City holds a significant advantage in their head-to-head encounters with Brighton. During the last season, City have come out on top in both fixtures, making five wins in the last six H2Hs. Moreover, the Citizens have also lost only one of their previous five meetings with the Seagulls at American Express Stadium, securing three wins.
Brighton vs Manchester City: Team News and Predicted Lineups
Brighton still has a long injury list with the names of Adam Webster, James Milner, Joao Pedro, Lewis Dunk, Mattew O’Riley, Yankuba Minteh, and Solly March before the game against City. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola will have to deal with the absences of Ruben Diaz, Jack Grealish, Rodri, John Stones and Oscar Bobb.
Brighton Predicted Lineup
Verbruggen (GK), Veltman, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan, Kodioglu, Gruda, Hinshelwood, Mitoma, Rutter, Welbeck.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup
Ederson (GK), Walker, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Foden, Silva, Gundogan, Nunes, Haaland.
Brighton vs Manchester City: Match Prediction
Despite the horrific form, Ruling Manchester City out against Brighton would not be the right prediction. Based on the tactical prowess of Pep and their favorable H2H record, City should be in the form to hand Brighton their first home defeat in Premier League.
Predicted Result: 1-2
