Manchester City vs Brighton: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Man City aim to steady title push against Brighton

Manchester City return to Premier League action knowing that even a modest wobble can have outsized consequences in a title race shaped by relentless pace. Two consecutive draws have slowed momentum, yet victory here would again apply pressure on leaders Arsenal, even if only briefly with Liverpool also in midweek action.

City’s recent stalemates against Sunderland and Chelsea have felt costly, particularly the latter, where a stoppage time equaliser cut deep. That frustration was compounded by injuries which have thinned an already stretched defence. Pep Guardiola’s side remain firmly in the hunt, but the margin for error is narrowing with every dropped point in the Premier League.

Photo IMAGO

Brighton arrive without the weight of expectation yet with quiet confidence restored. Sitting tenth, they have steadied their season by ending a six game winless run at Burnley, and the sense around the club is one of opportunity rather than survival.

Etihad setting for pivotal midweek test

The meeting between Manchester City and Brighton takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday January 7, 2026, with kick off scheduled for 7.30pm GMT. In the UK, the match will be shown live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 6pm, and streamed via the Sky Go app.

Defensive issues dominate selection debate

City’s team news is shaped almost entirely by availability at the back. Josko Gvardiol is ruled out after “suffering a tibial fracture to his right leg”, while Ruben Dias faces around six weeks on the sidelines, as confirmed by Pep Guardiola. John Stones remains unavailable and Rayan Ait Nouri is on Africa Cup of Nations duty, leaving limited cover.

Photo IMAGO

That shortage could open the door for Max Alleyne to partner Abdukodir Khusanov, a pairing that underlines the scale of disruption. Further forward, there is a call to be made on Rodri’s workload, while Nico Gonzalez and Savinho are doubts. Mateo Kovacic, Omar Marmoush and Oscar Bobb are all set to miss out.

Photo IMAGO

Brighton’s concerns are fewer. Yankuba Minteh will be assessed late, Mats Wieffer is injured and Carlos Baleba is away at AFCON. Fabian Hurzeler, however, expects Kaoru Mitoma to start again despite the quick turnaround.

Photo IMAGO

Brighton confidence meets City firepower

Recent meetings suggest this is no straightforward fixture for the champions. Brighton earned a 2-2 draw at the Etihad last season and followed that by winning the reverse league clash earlier in the campaign. Their ability to disrupt City’s rhythm has become a recurring theme.

With City’s defensive structure weakened, Brighton are likely to believe chances will come. Guardiola’s side retain enough attacking quality to dominate spells, but keeping goals out appears the greater challenge.

A tight contest looks likely, with balance on both sides.

Prediction: Draw, 1-1.

Head to head record

Brighton are unbeaten in their last three matches against City.

Man City wins: 21Brighton wins: 8Draws: 6