𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐈𝐏𝐋 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 🏏👉
Manchester City, aiming to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League, are set to visit Brighton & Hove Albion at the American Express Stadium this Thursday.
Brighton's performance has declined since the start of the year, and they are now struggling to keep up in the quest for a European competition spot next season. With only three victories in their first 13 Premier League matches of 2024 and no wins in their recent four outings—including a 1-1 tie with Burnley who are fighting relegation—Brighton needs a turnaround.
On the other hand, Manchester City, who are chasing an extraordinary fourth consecutive Premier League title, are currently on a record-breaking 42-game unbeaten streak at the Etihad Stadium across all competitions. However, with four of their next five matches scheduled away, including the upcoming game at Brighton, the team will be tested on the road.
Despite the challenging schedule, Pep Guardiola’s squad remains optimistic, particularly given their impressive record of winning 17 out of their last 19 midweek Premier League games.
Brighton has shown a lack of scoring prowess. Manchester City might also not push too aggressively, especially with Haaland missing.
The betting tip is...
Under 2.5 Goals
63 %
37 %
Brighton is facing some challenges with injuries as they prepare for their upcoming match against Manchester City. The team will be without several key players due to long-term injuries, including Solly March, Kaoru Mitoma, and Jack Hinshelwood. Additionally, Thursday's game will likely be too soon for James Milner, Adam Webster , and Tariq Lamptey to return.
Pervis Estupinan, who exited early in last week’s draw with Burnley due to an ankle issue, is also a concern. His readiness will be evaluated closer to game time, along with Enciso, Evan Ferguson, and Billy Gilmour, who are all doubtful for the match.
If Estupinan is unavailable, either Igor Julio or Valentin Barco, the latter having been previously linked with Manchester City, might fill the left-back position. In the forward line, Ansu Fati, who found the net in the reverse fixture at the Etihad, will compete for a starting spot with players such as Simon Adingra, Facundo Buonanotte, Adam Lallana, and Joao Pedro.
Ansu Fati might not start for Brighton in this match.
Predicted Lineup: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Igor; Gross, Baleba; Adingra, Lallana, Pedro; Welbeck
Manchester City is facing fitness concerns ahead of their Thursday match against Brighton, particularly with star striker Erling Haaland, who missed last weekend’s FA Cup semi-final due to a persistent muscle problem. Haaland, alongside Phil Foden, who has also been in excellent form, did not participate in training on Tuesday, putting their availability in doubt for the upcoming game.
Pep Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad where feasible, as several players are dealing with fatigue. Midfielder Rodri has expressed a need for rest, yet he might still be called upon to start in midfield. Bernardo Silva, despite returning to training, reported discomfort in his "left hamstring" and "right calf" following the FA Cup semi-final, and his condition will be evaluated closer to the match.
Defenders John Stones and Ruben Dias, who were strategically substituted at halftime during last weekend's game against Chelsea, are both options to start against Brighton. They, along with Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and Kevin De Bruyne—who have all recovered from minor injuries—are poised to play if needed.
Haaland will miss this game due to injury
Predicted Lineup: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Doku; Alvarez
Manchester City, despite potential absences of key players like Erling Haaland still possesses a deep squad capable of handling these gaps.
Their defensive solidity and the creative forces of Kevin De Bruyne in midfield could prove too much for Brighton's compromised lineup. Considering Manchester City's strong record in away games and Brighton's form, we predict a win for Man City.
