Manchester City vs Brighton – Match Preview and Team News | OneFootball

Manchester City return to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening under significant pressure to reignite their title charge following a frustrating sequence of stalemates.

Pep Guardiola’s side saw their lead at the top vanish. Unfortunately, back-to-back draws against Sunderland and Chelsea proved costly. Now, they sit six points adrift of league leaders Arsenal. Historically, City boast an impeccable record against the Seagulls on home soil. However, a deepening defensive injury crisis threatens their title quest. Specifically, it could derail their hopes of closing the gap on the Gunners.

Conversely, Brighton arrive in Manchester with renewed optimism. Recently, they halted a bleak December run with a 2-0 victory over Burnley. Crucially, Fabian Hürzeler’s men already proved they can best the match favourites. Notably, they masterminded a 2-1 win at the Amex in August. Therefore, they aim to secure their first-ever league victory at the Etihad. Doing so would maintain their push for a top-half finish.

Manchester City vs Brighton – Match Preview and Team News

Team News

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola is navigating a defensive emergency after Joško Gvardiol (ankle fracture) and Rúben Dias (hamstring) both sustained injuries against Chelsea. Gvardiol is expected to be out for an extended period, while Dias faces a recovery time of up to six weeks. They join John Stones on a crowded injury list, though Nathan Aké is fit to return, and Nico Gonzalez has been cleared to play. The hosts remain without Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovačić, and Savinho, while Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Brighton

The Seagulls will assess winger Yankuba Minteh (thigh) following his late withdrawal against West Ham, while Mats Wieffer remains out with a persistent toe injury. Fabian Hürzeler continues to be without Carlos Baleba (AFCON), Solly March (knee), Adam Webster (knee), and Stefanos Tzimas (knee). However, Kaoru Mitoma is fit to start after a successful return against Burnley, and veteran James Milner could feature to become just the fifth outfielder in Premier League history to play at age 40 or older.

Form

Manchester City

City have established an incredible record of Wednesday dominance, winning 22 consecutive Premier League home games played on this specific day. The Etihad remains a fortress against this particular opponent, as City have never lost a home league game against Brighton in 15 attempts. However, Erling Haaland is currently enduring a rare goal search, having failed to score in his last three league starts. Guardiola will also be wary of another draw; one more stalemate would equal his personal record of three consecutive league draws.

Brighton

Brighton arrive with a perfect scoring record against City, having found the net in all 17 of their Premier League meetings. Nevertheless, their defensive fragility away from home is a concern, having conceded exactly two goals in each of their last three away Premier League matches. Hürzeler will be looking to replicate the tactical discipline shown in their August victory to exploit City’s depleted backline.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Lewis, Khusanov, Aké, O’Reilly; Rodri; Cherki, Foden, Reijnders, Doku; Haaland

Brighton & Hove Albion predicted XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadıoğlu; Gomez, Ayari; Gruda, Rutter, Mitoma; Kostoulas

How to watch Manchester City vs Brighton?

In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Ultra HD, SKY GO, and NOW TV. Coverage for this Wednesday night fixture begins ahead of the 19:30 GMT kick-off.

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