Manchester City – Brighton: champions feeling the heat 
Held in the dying seconds by Chelsea (1-1), Manchester City’s start to the year has gone south. The Citizens have already dropped precious points and now sit six points behind Arsenal. Brighton walk into the Etihad after a big win over Burnley, but they’re still struggling for consistency.
Manchester City: must react 
City haven’t found their rhythm in 2026. After a disappointing draw at Sunderland, Guardiola’s men surrendered another win that was theirs for the taking against Chelsea.
Even more frustrating: City already fell at Brighton in August (2-1), a game where the Citizens collapsed in the second half.
With six points adrift of Arsenal, hosting the Seagulls feels like a can’t-miss game.
Guardiola will be without Josko Gvardiol, injured against Chelsea, and without Oscar Bobb, reportedly on his way out.
On the plus side, Erling Haaland will be there: the Norwegian already has 19 goals in 20 Premier League games. Rodri, back in the starting XI last weekend, should keep his place in midfield.
Brighton: slight uptick, but still too inconsistent 
Brighton started the year with a reassuring win over Burnley (2-0), but the momentum is fragile.
Fabian Hürzeler’s men have won just one of their last seven league games and are struggling to regain solidity.
Away form is worse: one point from the last three trips, and only one win away from the Amex since late September.
For this trip, Brighton will be without Carlos Baleba, called up for AFCON, and Solly March and Stefanos Tzimas, who are still injured.
Danny Welbeck could reclaim a starting spot, while Pascal Gross should keep his place after returning last weekend.
Probable lineups
Manchester City :
Donnarumma ; O’Reilly, Dias, Khusanov, Ake ; Rodri, Cherky ; Foden, Bernardo Silva, Rejinders ; Haaland
Brighton :
Verbruggen ; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu ; Gross, Gruda ; Gomez, Rutter, Mitoma ; Welbeck
Key takeaways
- Brighton beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Amex in August.
- The Seagulls have won just one of their last seven Premier League games.
- Manchester City remain six points behind Arsenal after two draws on the bounce.
- Nine of the last ten meetings between the two sides have produced over 2.5 goals.
Manchester City vs Brighton prediction
Manchester City to win & both teams to score
City can’t afford another slip and should crank it up at home. Brighton can cause problems going forward, but they’re too shaky at the back to expect a result. Open game. Logical edge to the Citizens.
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