Manchester City
- Manchester City are second on 40 points.
- Manchester City have enough firepower to see off a Brighton side that proved a thorn in their side at the Amex last August when they come together in a key Premier League matchup on Wednesday.
- Pep Guardiola’s squad rotation masterclass and the timely returns of some stars have kept the title chase on track, but any slip-up against Fabian Hürzeler’s Seagulls would allow Arsenal to put some real distance between them.
- City are unbeaten in nine matches in all competitions.
- Their eight-game winning streak was ended by Sunderland last weekend when the Black Cats claimed a 0-0 draw.
- Guardiola is said to be playing a masterful game of chess with his rotation moves and, with Rodri back from injury, he should be able to reassert his control over the pace and pattern of the game.
- The return of the Spaniard and the continued firepower of Erling Haaland, who remains among the league’s top scorers, are two huge pluses for City going into this key period of games in January.
Brighton
- Brighton are 13th in the Premier League with 24 points.
- The Seagulls got a 2-0 win at Burnley last time out to continue a mixed run of results that have seen them alternate between wins, draws and defeats over the last five games.
- Kaoru Mitoma remains their most consistent creator and goalscorer when fit while Danny Welbeck’s experience and finishing prowess are also crucial in the wide areas.
- Facing City, who play a control game based around possession and positional play, with rapid vertical transitions and high pressing of their own, Brighton can create plenty of havoc.
- And Fabian Hürzeler seems to be getting the balance right, switching from a back three to a back four in the match where he engineered an incredible 2-1 comeback against City at the Amex back in August 2025.
- The young, progressive coach has instilled a real work ethic and pressing game to this team that can be relentless in their high-tempo matches.
Head-to-Head
- Albion have won two of the last three meetings between the clubs.
- City have won more of the past 10 meetings between these two sides, but Brighton have become a real thorn in recent seasons.
Key Players
- Kaoru Mitoma remains Brighton’s most consistent creator and goalscorer when fit.
- Danny Welbeck provides experience and finishing prowess in the wide areas.
- Rodri is back from injury and should help City control the game’s pace.
- Erling Haaland remains among the league’s top scorers and adds crucial firepower for City.
Betting Insights
- City are priced at 1.4, Brighton at 7.2, and the draw at 4.65.
- The Both Teams To Score market looks appealing at 1.6.
- With City back to their best at both ends, the odds favor a home win.
Prediction
- City have the star quality and squad depth to edge it and, given their home advantage, they are worth backing to keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table.
- Brighton will be aiming to cause an upset that could propel them into the top half of the league, but City’s extra quality and depth should be the difference in the end.
