Man City vs Brighton: Champions battle to stay in the top four race | OneFootball

The defending champions, Manchester City, host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad in Saturday's high-profile Premier League matchup. The champions, currently fifth, face a side just one point behind them in seventh. With both teams fighting for a Champions League place, this fixture can be touted as a "six-pointer."

Manchester City's inconsistency

Not many would have expected Manchester City to have the kind of season they are having. Among their last 12 matches, they have won half while losing the other half. Such inconsistent form has never been something anyone would associate with Pep Guardiola's team.

At the moment, they are fifth in the table. Chelsea, two points ahead of them, currently occupy fourth place, which guarantees a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season. However, a Champions League spot is almost guaranteed for the fifth-placed team in the Premier League as well. But there are a number of teams competing for a spot, including Brighton.

Chelsea visiting Arsenal on Sunday can be positive news for Manchester City. If the Gunners emerge victorious and Guardiola guides his team to a win on Saturday, it will take them into the top four while also ensuring one of their Champions League rivals, Brighton, drops three points.

Brighton's quest for a double over Man City

The Seagulls won the reverse fixture at the Amex Stadium 2-1 back in November. They have never won away at Manchester City in their history. Their only previous Premier League victory against City came in 2021.

After losing 7-0 to Nottingham Forest, Fabian Hürzeler's side has found their groove again. They have won all six of their matches since then. Their last three victories came by the same 2-1 scoreline, with João Pedro scoring in each.

With Manchester City's form being highly inconsistent, Brighton has a very good chance to do the double over the defending champions. A win would also take them into the top five in the standings. Given their current form, it would not be a surprise, it's something Fabian Hürzeler's side is certainly capable of achieving.