Manchester City vs Brighton Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Premier League 2025-26

The Seagulls emerged victorious when these sides last met.

Manchester City will face off against Brighton & Hove Albion in their matchweek 21 fixture of the 2025-26 English Premier League. This is going to be an intense outing, which will take place at the Etihad Stadium.

The Pep Guardiola-led side were held to a draw by Chelsea in their previous league outing. They conceded a late goal and they only secured a single point.

They will be once again at home for their next league game and it will be a big advantage for them. Manchester City are in second place on the league table and six points behind table toppers Arsenal.

Brighton & Hove Albion have been very inconsistent with their performances this season. They are placed 10th on the Premier League points table.

The upcoming contest is not going to be an easy one for them. However, the Seagulls are coming in after securing a 2-0 win against Burnley in their last league match.

Kick-off:

• Location: Manchester, England 
• Stadium: Etihad Stadium
• Date: Thursday, January 8
• Kick-off Time: 01:00 a.m. IST (Wednesday, January 7; 07:30 p.m. GMT/ 02:30 p.m. ET/ 11:30 a.m. PT)
• Referee: Thomas Bramall
• VAR: In use

Form:

Man City: W-W-W-D-D

Brighton: L-D-L-D-W

Players to Watch

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

With 19 goals in 20 Premier League appearances, Erling Haaland is the top goal scorer in the competition this season. Even though he failed to score a goal in the previous game for Manchester City, Haaland is still going to play a crucial part in the attacking front. He will be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence in the next matchup.

Georginio Rutter (Brighton)

The 23-year-old will be looking to step up his game to help his side in the upcoming fixture. Georginio Rutter was one of the goal scorers for the Seagulls in their previous game. In 18 league games this season, he has four goal contributions and will be keen to add more to his tally.

Georgi scoring our crucial opener! 💥 Highlights in partnership with @MPBcom. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/vyMlnq8NMf

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 3, 2026

Match Facts

• Manchester City have failed to secure a win in their last two matches.
• Brighton have only won one of their last five games.
• The Cityzens have not won any of their last three fixtures against the Seagulls.

Man City vs Brighton: Betting Tips and Odds

• Manchester City to win @2/5 Ladbrokes
• Erling Haaland to score @1/2 Quinn Bet
• Goals under 3.5 @3/4 Unibet

Injury and Team News

Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Savinho, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic are likely to sit out for Man City. They are not fit enough.

Nico Gonzalez is not yet confirmed to be a part of the squad. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri are on national team duty.

Brighton will miss out on the services of Solly March, Stefanos Tzimas, Mats Wieffer and Adam Webster. They are injured.

Yankuba Minteh might also miss out due to a lack of fitness. Carlos Baleba is on international duty.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 35

Man City won: 21

Brighton won: 8

Draws: 6

Predicted Lineups

Man City predicted lineup (4-1-4-1)

Donnarumma (GK); Nunes, Ake, Khusanov, O’Reilly; Rodri; Silva, Cherki, Foden, Reijnders; Haaland

Brighton predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Verbruggen (GK); Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gomez; Grunda, Rutter, Mitoma; Kostoulas

Match Prediction

These sides are going to put up a top show, but Manchester City are likely to come out on top to secure a win against Brighton & Hove Albion in thier ucoming Premier League clash.

Prediction: Man City 2-1 Brighton

Telecast Details

India: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network

UK: Sky Sports and TNT Sports

US: NBC Sports

Nigeria: SuperSport

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