Manchester City vs Brighton: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Club football is back after the October international break

Manchester City must get back to winning ways as they resume their Premier League title defence against Brighton on Saturday. For the first time since December 2018, Pep Guardiola’s side have lost two consecutive games in the League, offering Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool hope in the title race.

Brighton has 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. This will be a real test for both the teams and it will be a mouthwatering match.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 21 Oct, 2023; 07:30 PM (IST), 02:00 PM (GMT), 10:00 AM (EST)

Form

Manchester City Form (All Competitions): L-W-L-L-W

Brighton Form (All Competitions): D-D-L-L-W

Players to Watch

Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)

Doku is every defender’s worst nightmare. A winger who does not just have a turn of pace and a few tricks up his sleeve but has an unbelievable range of passing ridiculous vision, and a good end product that is only getting better. A player good with the ball, who consistently finds ways, either with his own dribbles or via his progressive passes, to accelerate his team’s attack and create space for others or himself, will continually be an asset for his team. He can be one of the biggest threats for Brighton.

Evan Ferguson (Brighton)

He stands out in part for his clever movements to receive between the lines, where he then receives on the half-turn and more often than not looks immediately for a shooting opportunity. This mentality ensures he maintains a constant threat on goal, while also adding flexibility and fluidity to his team’s front line. Once inside the penalty area, Ferguson is extremely agile. He can adjust his body quickly and effectively to work himself the best possible shooting opportunity. Due to his talent, many clubs are interested in him.

Match Facts

• During the last 6 meetings with Manchester City playing at home, Manchester City have won 6 times, there have been 0 draws while Brighton & Hove Albion have won 0 times. The goal difference is 16-2 in favour of Manchester City.
• Both teams haven't won their last match in the Premier League.
• During the last 14 meetings, Manchester City has won 11 times, there have been 2 draws while Brighton & Hove Albion have won 1 time. The goal difference is 36-9 in favour of Manchester City.

Injury and Team News in Manchester City vs Brighton

Manchester City nearly have a fully fit squad, with the only absentee being midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian will be out for some time after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury on the opening day of the season. Rodri's return against Brighton will likely prove pivotal, especially considering City lost all three games he was suspended for following a red card against Nottingham Forest. Jack Grealish has returned to full fitness, featuring for England over the international period, while John Stones should be in line to make his first City start since the Community Shield. 

The only two guaranteed absentees for De Zerbi are the South American duo, Pervis Estupinan and Julio Enciso. Centre-back Igor was forced off with a knock against Liverpool as well, while Tariq Lamptey withdrew from international duty with Ghana after suffering a minor injury. Kaoru Mitoma also didn't team up with Japan this month due to fatigue, but the trio could be available for the trip to Manchester. James Milner could miss a return to his former club at the weekend after sustaining a muscle injury against AEK Athens several weeks ago.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 30

Manchester City: 19

Brighton: 6

Draws: 5

Predicted Lineup for Manchester City vs Brighton

Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Lewis; Foden, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland.

Brighton Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, March; Gross, Baleba; Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson.

Match Prediction for Manchester City vs Brighton

City might not be at their best and the absence of Rodri makes things interesting but a team that good rarely loses three on the bounce.

Prediction: City 2-1 Brighton

Telecast

India: Star Sports Network, Disney+Hotstar

UK: Sky Sports

USA: fubo TV, NBC Sports

Nigeria: DSTV, Gotv