Three-game losing Manchester City in trip to Brighton.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs
Manchester City
As Brighton aim to uphold their unbeaten home streak against a faltering Manchester City, the Seagulls hope to exploit their fresher legs and historical resilience at Falmer Stadium in what promises to be a captivating clash.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton were on their way to extending their unbeaten run to four games in a row before a Liverpool comeback resulted in their second defeat of the season. The Seagulls had a lead at the hour mark, but goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah turned the game around at Anfield.
This was their second defeat to Liverpool in a week, having also lost to the Reds in the EFL Cup. The disappointing defeat saw Brighton drop two places down the Premier League table to 8th, with 16 points.
Brighton face a challenging test next with Manchester City, although they benefit from fresher legs, not being involved in European competitions. While they've conceded more Premier League goals against City than any other team, Brighton will aim to extend their five-game unbeaten home run.
If they avoid defeat, it would mark their longest unbeaten home run from the start of a top-flight campaign since 1982-83. A 4—4—2 formation with Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck in attack is expected, and João Pedro might return to action alongside James Milner and others.
Manchester City
Manchester City’s poor form hit a new low on UCL Match Day 4, where they lost 4-1 to Sporting CP. The Sky Blues had taken the lead through Phil Foden early on, but a goal from Maximiliano Araújo, along with a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres, turned the game around.
This defeat marked a three-game losing streak across all competitions for City, following losses in the EFL Cup against Tottenham and in the Premier League against Bournemouth. Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton, Pep Guardiola might be feeling the pressure, given City’s high standards.
However, City can take comfort in their impressive record against Brighton. They have secured 37 points out of a possible 42 against the Seagulls in the Premier League, with their only dropped points occurring at the Amex Stadium.
In light of recent defeats, Pep might consider changing City's formation to a 3—4—2—1, with Haaland, who missed a penalty against Sporting, leading the line. This tactical switch could help them regain their footing.
