Brighton are determined to continue their impressive run.
Image credit: Manchester City
Manchester City will be looking to reclaim a top-four spot in the Premier League as they welcome high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
The Citizens are out for revenge after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the Amex Stadium earlier this season.
Match Preview
Pep Guardiola’s side missed the chance to overtake Nottingham Forest after a 1-0 loss to them last weekend.
City must bounce back to avoid defeat.
Image credit: Gold
With nine league defeats already—matching Guardiola’s worst-ever season—City must bounce back to avoid becoming the first reigning champions to lose 10 matches in a single campaign since Chelsea in 2017-18.
Despite their struggles, City boast a strong home record against Brighton, winning 10 consecutive meetings at the Etihad.
However, their recent inconsistency at home (four wins in the last eight league games) suggests this won’t be straightforward.
Brighton, on the other hand, are in red-hot form, having won six straight matches across all competitions.
The Seagulls have climbed to seventh, just three points off the top four, and are determined to continue their impressive run.
De Bruyne’s 2022 rocket against Brighton
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 14, 2025pic.twitter.com/VJQAXhVZuc
However, they have never won away at Manchester City, making this a daunting challenge.
Team News
City will be without key players, including Rodri, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones.
Guardiola faces a decision on whether to recall Rico Lewis or stick with Matheus Nunes at right-back.
Phil Foden, City’s top scorer against Brighton, could make way for Kevin De Bruyne or Omar Marmoush.
Brighton are missing Ferdi Kadioglu, Igor Julio, James Milner, and Jason Steele, while Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman are doubts. Tariq Lamptey returns from suspension and could start at right-back.
Predicted Lineups
Man City: Ederson; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Gundogan; Savinho, Marmoush, Doku; Haaland.
Brighton: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Webster, Estupiñán; Hinshelwood, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro.
Prediction
Brighton have scored in 26 of their last 29 matches, but City have also found the net in all 15 of their league meetings with the Seagulls.
Expect an open contest, but Guardiola’s side may exploit Brighton’s high defensive line to secure a crucial win.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Brighton
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