Predicition: Manchester City to Win to Nil
Odds:4/5
Bookmaker: 888Sport
Manchester City will be aiming to wrap up the Premier League title as they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Pep Guardiola’s troops just need a victory on the South Coast to claim their second consecutive crown, whilst the hosts will be in a buoyant mood having secured their future in the top-flight following a difficult campaign.
Brighton & Hove Albion
The threat of relegation was a real prospect for Chris Hughton Seagulls until very recently. Supporters will be relieved that Cardiff City were not quite able to get over the line considering their team’s poor run of form in recent weeks. They are on a winless run of nine games, failing to score in seven of those. They have not gone ten consecutive games without a win since 2011. One aspect that has hampered the team this season has been their form in front of goal. In 37 games so far this season, they have only managed to score 34 goals. As a matter of fact, only relegated duo Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City have scored fewer than the Seagulls throughout the campaign. A further feature that could also count against them heading into this weekend’s clash is their form against the Premier League’s top six. Their only win against that handful of elite clubs came on the second weekend against Manchester United.
Team News
Hughton could be missing two key players for the game. Midfielder Davy Propper is ruled with a hamstring, whilst Jose Izqueirdo is restricted to the sidelines with a knee cartilage problem. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jason Steele is still out with a broken wrist. In better news, Glenn Murray will hope to be on the scoresheet again after breaking his seven-game duck without a goal against Arsenal last time out.
Manchester City
Coming into the game on the South Coast, the title really is the hands of the Citizens. With a victory at the AMEX, they are guaranteed to be crowned champions. However, they cannot afford a slip up as should they drop points, Liverpool who are only one point behind, will be waiting to take advantage. Should Guardiola’s men claim the title, it would become their fourth success in the Premier League era. This means that they would overtake Arsenal in becoming the outright third-most successful league outfit in the Premier League. They would also become the first side since Manchester United in 2009 to retain the title. The superlatives have run out to describe Manchester City this season. They have scored the most goals and also have the joint-best defence. Consequently, the Citizens have won their last 14 league games, only four behind their all-time consecutive record of 18.
Team News
Guardiola is still without midfielder Fernandinho. The Brazilian suffered a knee injury against Manchester United and has been missing since. He is unlikely to take to the field against the Seagulls. Elsewhere though, Kevin De Bruyne could appear after returning to training.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester City have the far better all-time record between the two teams (W12, D4, L5)
- The Citizens won the last Premier League match between the two 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium
- Chris Hughton has only ever won once as a manager against Manchester City with Brighton, Norwich City, Birmingham City and Newcastle United
- Sergio Aguero has scored in both of his appearances against the Seagulls
- Brighton have won five out of their 11 home clashes with Manchester City
Conclusion
A slip up from Manchester City really would make the title race even more interesting than it already is. However, that is unlikely to happen. Guardiola’s troops are in imperious form whilst the hosts really do not have much to play for considering that they have already secured another season in the Premier League. This should be another stroll for the Sky Blues.
Predicition: Manchester City to Win to Nil
Odds:4/5
Bookmaker: 888Sport
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