Brighton & Hove Albion host the Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday at 5:30 PM.
So far, The Seagulls have had a tremendous start to the season, from the first 8 games Brighton have picked up 4 wins, 3 draws and a single loss. Leaving them in 4th place, and only 2 points adrift from 3rd place Manchester City.
Graham Potter and Pep Guardiola have both been praised recently over their good start to the season, however, Brighton’s most recent results have left the fans worrying as they have only picked up 3 points from the last 3 games, only scoring one. Manchester City on the other hand have just thrashed Club Brugge 5-1 in the Champions League and will be aiming to carry that momentum to the weekend.
Team News
Brighton attacker Danny Welbeck and midfielder Steven Alzate remain absent for the Seagulls following recent injuries, while Brighton defender Adam Webster is unlikely to be passed fit enough to play.
Yves Bissouma is likely to be re-deployed for this game after a slight injury concern against Norwich, Tariq Lamptey was also a slight injury concern after tacking a knock and being forced off in the 59th minute also against Norwich. Ferran Torres remains the only certain absentee for Manchester City after a foot fracture and John Stones is a doubt due to personal issues.
Manchester City’s potential lineup could include: Ederson in between the sticks, Aymeric Laporte alongside his centre-half partnership with Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo is a guarantee to start at left-back and Kyle Walker at the other flank at right back.
Rodri is a strong contender to start at the holding midfielder role, Kevin De Bruyne is expected to start alongside Phil Foden in the attacking midfielder position. Jack Grealish, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling will all most likely start as the main front 3 and will rotate throughout the game.
Brighton’s potential lineup could include Sanchez at goalkeeper, Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk and Dan Burn who will operate as part of a sturdy back 3. Joel Veltman and Marc Cucurella will act as wing-backs that will support the back three and provide width when attacking. Pascal Gross, Yves Bissouma and Adam Lallana will be the three hardworking central midfielders and finally, Trossard and Maupay will be the two out-and-out strikers.
Key Statistics/ Prediction
Manchester City’s Phil Foden has made 1.3 key passes a game this season and picked up a 7.83 match rating during their midweek fixture against Club Brugge. Riyad Mahrez has had an outstanding 89.6% passing accuracy, a goal and an assist so far in the Premier League 21/22 season.
Contradictory to this, Brighton’s back three have been outstanding so far: Shane Duffy’s four clean sheets so far have therefore given him an average of 7.43 so far this season, Lewis Dunk has a 7.18 rating and has been making an average of 1.6 interceptions per game and Dan Burn has made an average of 2.8 tackles per game and has an average rating of 6.90.
Both the teams have only played each other 26 times, the Seagulls have only won 6 and drew 4 meaning Manchester City have an obvious edge with 16 wins. Given the statistical domination and overall the better team and manager Manchester City are the are favourites for this game and in my opinion comfortable winners.
