Champions League qualification is imperative for Manchester City’s season to end in redemption. Last weekend’s damaging defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest no doubt dented their chances but still, tomorrow’s clash with European chasers Brighton offers a huge opportunity to get back on track.
A victory would send the reigning champions back into fourth place for at least one day, depending on how Chelsea do against Arsenal on Sunday. For the _Seagulls_, three points would see them leapfrog City – possibly ending the weekend as high as fifth, if results go their way.
Fabian Hürzeler’s men will enter the fixture full of confidence, riding a six-game win streak. The match will depend on which version of City turns up, with sloppy mistakes regularly hurting them this season. On Saturday, they will rename the Etihad Stadium as the ‘City in the Community Etihad Stadium’, temporarily honouring honours the charity’s great work for the local community.
However, on the field, Manchester City have been very inconsistent this season. Their recent performance shows this: they have won only two of their last five games. For Brighton, things have turned a corner and in style since their 7-0 thrashing at Forest, and they are now riding a rich wave of form.
To secure a spot in next season’s Champions League, the _Blues_ must start picking up points on a much more regular basis. Pep Guardiola and his team face a tough challenge, with their opponents scoring 11 goals in their last four Premier League games. This contrasts hugely with City, who have become timid in front of goal lately, scoring only once in their last three Premier League games.
However, Brighton have not won away to Manchester City in 14 attempts. The glaring statistic shows just how tough of a challenge the fixture has been for the _Seagulls_ in recent years. But even though history favours the _Cityzens_, Hürzeler’s team won their last face-off in November, 2-1.
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Since then, City have invested heavily in the January transfer market, signing several recruits. One player who has impressed is Abdukodir Khusanov, averaging 4.8 ball recoveries and 4.2 clearances per game in the league.
City will look to the Uzbekistan international to keep Brighton’s free-flowing attack quiet. In attack, Guardiola may turn to Phil Foden, who has scored more goals against the _Albion_ \[eight\] than any other side in his career.
Brazilian forward João Pedro has scored eight goals and made six assists in the league this season. He will look to increase these numbers against the _Cityzens_. Strike partner Danny Welbeck will hope to join the Brazilian in the attack, not only to continue his fine form but also to score his first goal against City after blanking on 20 occasions.
The away side will miss Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Igor Julio, Lewis Dunk, and Joel Veltman through injury, limiting their defence choices. However, Tariq Lamptey is due to return after serving a suspension. Veteran James Milner and goalkeeper Jason Steele also remain sidelined. Matt O’Riley, who scored the winning goal for Brighton in their 2-1 win over City in November, may be fit enough for the bench.
The majority of the defence picks itself for City, with Manuel Akanji, Nathan Aké, and John Stones out injured. This leaves Joško Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and Khusanov as the likely options for the defence. Either Rico Lewis or utility man Matheus Nunes will complete the back four at right-back.
Saturday’s match between the champions and Brighton starts at 15:00 GMT. Therefore, it will not be available to watch in the United Kingdom. However, you can follow the coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Considering the magnitude of this game for both sides, it will undoubtedly be a close game. City will perform much better tomorrow than they did in their last meeting, even with their recent struggles.
We credit that early goal for Brighton’s Pedro will not be enough to prevent the champions’ charge for a top-four place, with a Haaland brace sealing a crucial comeback in a 2-1 win for the hosts.