Two of the Premier League’s master tacticians go head-to-head this weekend as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City host Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton & Hove Albion.
The international break probably came at just the right time for City after last season’s treble winners suffered a third successive domestic defeat at the hands of title rivals Arsenal just before the Premier League’s hiatus. A late Gabriel Martinelli strike added to the Cityzens’ woes after losses against Wolves and Newcastle United, the latter in the Carabao Cup, had come previously.
Brighton have been in uncharacteristically poor form of late too. The Seagulls are without a win in four matches, having most recently drawn back-to-back matches 2-2 with Marseille and Liverpool.
With both sides desperate to get back on track, let’s take a look at Manchester City’s clash with Brighton in closer detail.
Man City vs Brighton H2H record (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Man City vs Brighton on TV and live stream
Country | TV channel / live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Not televised; Radio 5 Live |
United States | fuboTV, NBC Sports App, nbcsports.com, USA Network, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo |
Canada | fuboTV Canada |
(4-1-4-1): Ortega; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Rodri; Foden, Silva, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland
Brighton confirmed lineup vs Man City
(4-2-3-1): Steele; Milner, Dunk, Julio, March; Baleba, Gross; Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck
Manchester City have shown they are fallible in recent weeks, but you still have to be brave to bet against a home win this weekend. The return of Rodri will massively improve the balance of this City side, offering them greater structure in central areas.
That midfield battle could be decisive at the Etihad, with an impressive performance from Carlos Baleba against Liverpool showing what Brighton can offer in central areas. The Seagulls have a tendency to show up in big games, having already beaten Manchester United and Newcastle this campaign, and De Zerbi will have had two weeks to conjure up a master plan to stump the champions.
However, Brighton have themselves shown plenty of weakness in the past four matches, making City fairly strong favourites for Saturday’s meeting.
Prediction: Man City 3-1 Brighton
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Source : 90min.com