Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
After a loss to Tottenham Hotspur, defeats have become a recurring theme for Manchester City. Is this a crisis? Can they avoid another defeat?
Brighton
Brighton love to challenge the Premier League's favourites this season. They defeated Manchester United (2:1) when United's struggles were not yet evident. They also snatched a point at the Emirates against Arsenal (1:1). Only Chelsea (2:4) and Liverpool (1:2) in the last round managed to emerge unscathed against Brighton. An early goal by Ferdi Kadıoğlu in the 14th minute didn’t unsettle Liverpool, who were far more active in the second half. They decided the outcome within three minutes, while Brighton managed just one goal (1.01 xG, one major chance).
Manchester City
Manchester City have lost three consecutive matches across all competitions. It started on 31 October with a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur (1:2) in the League Cup, followed by a Premier League loss to Bournemouth (1:2) just a day later, and a heavy defeat in Lisbon against Sporting CP (1:4), led by future rival manager Ruben Amorim. During that Champions League night, on top of everything else, Erling Haaland missed a penalty, hitting the woodwork, while Sporting converted two penalty goals.
The causes for these losses include a packed schedule, away fixtures, and central defence absences (Rúben Dias and John Stones were sidelined before the Bournemouth match). Only two experienced defenders were available—Manuel Akanji and Nathan Aké. They played against Bournemouth, and in Lisbon, Pep Guardiola rested Aké, bringing in 19-year-old Jahmai Simpson-Pusey for his first significant experience.
Brighton vs Manchester City Prediction
Only John Stones has a slight chance of returning, meaning the already strained Akanji and Aké will be playing. Mistakes are likely, so if not a defeat, at least goals against Manchester City are guaranteed. However, they are expected to find the net — after all, only Inter Milan have kept them at bay this season.
