Manchester City vs Brighton Prediction & Match Preview

Manchester City fell to third place in the Premier League table after back-to-back defeats to Wolves and Arsenal in the previous two rounds.

If we add the League Cup defeat to Newcastle, it’s three straight domestic defeats on the bounce for Pep Guardiola and his players who are ready to respond after the international break.

The Citizens host Brighton in what could prove out to be a tricky matchup for them but we fancy their chances of rebounding here for several important reasons.

The biggest one is the return of Rodri to the starting lineup. Guardiola missed his influential central midfielder so much in the last two league games, especially two weeks ago away at Arsenal.

City’s game looks much more organized with Rodri in the squad. We also expect Erling Haaland to return to his old habits after failing to find the back of the net in four successive appearances across competitions for Man City.

Brighton’s leaky defense and high line will surely give the Norwegian striker a lot of space to deliver in the final third.

As you all know, the Seagulls play super attractive football under Roberto De Zerbi. They top the league’s goalscoring charts with 21 goals in 8 outings.

Big problems appear at the back, though. Brighton have the third-worst defensive record with 16 goals conceded this term.

They have allowed ten goals in the previous three affairs across competitions, including six in the last away game against Aston Villa.

Brighton did hold Liverpool to a 2-2 stalemate last weekend at The Amex thanks to a late Lewis Dunk equalizer but it is hard to stay optimistic regarding their chances against the highly motivated reigning champions away at the Etihad.

Latest Meetings

Brighton have rarely caused Man City problems at the Etihad where they lost nine and drew two of the last eleven games.

Manchester City won three and drew one of the previous four encounters with the Seagulls, scoring at least three goals in each of the victories along the way.

Four of the last five matches between these rivals provided goals at both ends.

The Verdict

Manchester City have kept their net untouched just once in the previous nine matches in all competitions while Brighton shipped ten goals in the last three outings across competitions.

Man City to win & Both Teams To Score is the standout betting option at the 2.37 odds while we also fancy the hosts to score three or more goals at the 1.90 odds.

Steffen Schmidt- October 18, 2023

Manchester City vs Brighton Betting Tips

Manchester City to win & Both Teams Score

OK

2.40 Odds

Manchester City Over 2.5 Goals

OK

	2.07 Odds
	2.00 Odds