Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Desperate to make up some ground in the Premier League title chase, Manchester City will welcome Brighton to the Etihad on Wednesday night.
Manchester City
Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp heartbreak at home against Chelsea on Sunday evening as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate, Manchester City have watched their Premier League title dreams take a major blow since opening the New Year. Getting 2026 underway with a 0-0 stalemate away at top-flight returners Sunderland, Pep Guardiola’s men now find themselves sat six points adrift of runaway leaders Arsenal. Facing what is a real must-win showdown on Wednesday night, Man City should also be concerned by their most recent showdown against the Seagulls. Suffering a collapse at the Amex as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss, Guardiola’s side could face a potential banana skin in midweek.
Manchester City Team News
Needed to be helped off the pitch after suffering a second-half blow against Chelsea on Sunday, Man City are expected to be without Croatian international Josko Gvardiol. Likewise, heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad this month, Norwegian youngster Oscar Bobb will miss out here.
Embarking on a record-breaking run and registering 19 goals in his 20 Premier League appearances this season, Erling Haaland will lead the line on Wednesday night. Making a first domestic start since back in September over the weekend, midfield talisman Rodri should keep his spot in the middle of the park.
Brighton
As for the visitors, claiming what was an essential boost over the weekend as they got the New Year underway with a 2-0 victory at home against relegation scrappers Burnley, Brighton are desperately searching for some much-needed stability. Watching their European dreams take a real dent on either side of November’s international break, Fabian Hurzeler’s side have registered just a single win from any of their previous seven Premier League appearances. Likewise, last seen on their travels setting for a disappointing 2-2 stalemate away at West Ham, Brighton have shown some extended issues on the road. Along with mustering just one-point from their last three showdowns away from the Amex, the former St. Pauli boss has also seen his squad muster just a sole win away from the Amex since the end of September.
Brighton Team News
Away representing Cameroon at this month’s AFCON, Brighton will travel to Manchester without midfield starlet Carlos Baleba. Likewise, both still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, the Seagulls will once again be unable to call upon the duo of Solly March and Stefanos Tzimas on Wednesday night.
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench against Burnley over the weekend, former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck could be handed a full recall. Making his second Brighton debut against Burnley on Saturday, Pascal Gross should keep his spot from the start.
Manchester City vs Brighton Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester City and Brighton met for their reverse Premier League showdown on August 31st, the Seagulls collected a 2-1 victory at the Amex.
- However, last weekend’s 2-0 victory against Burnley is the only win that Brighton have registered from their previous seven Premier League appearances.
- Suffering consecutive Premier League stalemates over the past week, Man City open the midweek fixtures sat six points adrift of Arsenal.
- Erling Haaland has bagged 19 goals in his 20 Premier League appearances so far this season.
- Nine of the last 10 meetings between Man City and Brighton have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Watching their Premier League title dreams take a major blow since opening the New Year, Manchester City face what is a must-win showdown on Wednesday night. However, suffering a remarkable collapse when they travelled to the Amex back in August as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss, Guardiola’s side have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders. Meeting a Brighton squad who have recorded just a sole Premier League win on their travels since the end of September, City can’t afford any more public slip-ups at the Etihad.
Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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