Manchester City vs Brighton Prediction - Premier League
Matthew O’Regan has his Manchester City vs Brighton prediction preview in what is now a huge match in the hunt for a top four finish. The Seagulls came from behind to win in the reverse fixture thanks to goals from Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley. Brighton have lost in all seven visits to the Etihad but will feel this is their best opportunity yet to get that all elusive point.
Manchester City vs Brighton Prediction
England, Premier League, Saturday, March 15, 15:00 (UK)
Manchester City have been poor in their defence of their four consecutive Premier League titles and may even fail to finish in the top four. Pep Guardiola’s side lost to Nottingham Forest last weekend, meaning they dropped to fifth. A defeat to Brighton will see them drop at least one place, with the potential to slip down to eighth.
The injury to Balon D’or winner Rodri has been a major reason for their struggles, with the older City midfield struggling against sides who overload the midfield with powerful runners – as seen in the defeat against Nottingham Forest. The Citizens have also struggled defensively, conceding 38 goals this season – four more than last seasons total.
Since Brighton lost 7-0 to Nottingham Forest they have been outstanding – winning six straight games. This included a league and cup double over Chelsea and wins against top half sides in Bournemouth, Fulham and Newcastle. The Seagulls now sit seventh in the Premier League and should come into this game brimming with confidence.
Fabian Hurzeler has seemingly stumbled on his best team, with Adam Webster shining since replacing the injured captain Lewis Dunk. The 30-year-old brings much needed line-breaking passes – a crucial element of Hurzeler’s style of play. The German also likes to play four attackers, with Joao Pedro, Georginio Rutter, Yankuba Minteh and Karou Mitoma adding pace, physicality and flair in abundance.
Brighton have also lost just six times in the league this season – only top two Liverpool and Arsenal boast a better record. When Albion defeated City in the reverse fixture they were poor until the introduction of Carlos Baleba at half time. The Cameroonian added much needed physicality that Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Rico Lewis struggled to contend with. Hurzeler will likely look to exploit this weakness again and partner Diego Gomez or Mats Wieffer next to him. This tactic should put his side in good stead and make them a threat on the counter attack.
- Manchester CIty vs Brighton Prediction: Brighton Double Chance (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.15
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 10/10 (TRACKED BET)
Manchester City vs Brighton Prediction odds via bet365 as at 20:00, March 11, 2025. Odds may now differ.
Manchester City vs Brighton Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Injuries plaguing both
While the absence of Rodri has been the most hard-hitting, Man City have also been plagued with defensive injuries. John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake have missed large chunks of the season through injury, while Ruben Dias has been struggling for fitness. Oscar Bobb aso remains out with a broken leg.
Brighton have had rotten luck with injuries. Igor, Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner, Jason Steele, Joel Veltman, Lewis Dunk and Matt O’Riley are all still injured. The versatile Jack Hinshelwood is expected to fill in at full back again, while the only could change may be Diego Gomez replacing Yasin Ayari for much-needed physicality in transition.
Manchester CIty possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Nunes, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Kovacic, Silva; Doku, Haaland, Savinho
Brighton possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Hinshelwood, Webster, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Gomez, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro
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