Prediction: Brighton vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Facing what is another must-win showdown on Thursday night, Manchester City will travel to the Amex when they meet Brighton.

Brighton

Starting with the hosts, while Brighton might have gained plenty of plaudits since appointing Roberto De Zerbi back in September 2022, the Seagulls have struggled to find much stability this season. Watching their famous Europa League adventure come to an end last month as they suffered a 4-1 aggregate defeat against Italian heavyweights Roma, the former Sassuolo boss has also found plenty of scrutiny over his long-term future at the Amex. Last seen settling for a 1-1 stalemate away at relegation scrappers Burnley, Brighton have collected just a pair of wins from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Opening April with a routine 3-0 drumming at the hands of title scrappers Arsenal, Thursday’s hosts will certainly be bracing themselves for another heavyweight challenge when the defending champions arrive at the Amex here.

Team News

Still dealing with a stacked injury list, Brighton will once again be unable to call upon the likes of James Milner, Solly March, Evan Ferguson, Jack Hinshelwood and Japan international Karol Mitoma. Likewise, dealing with yet another injury set-back earlier in the month, former Chelsea academy star Tariq Lamptey is not expected to feature here.

Although ex-England international Danny Welbeck might have notched just a single goal in his previous seven domestic appearances, the 33-year-old will spearhead De Zebri’s charge on Thursday night. Cementing his spot as Brighton’s number-one, Dutch shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen will once again keep his spot between the sticks.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have suffered Champions League final heartbreak against Spanish icons Real Madrid last week, Pep Guardiola’s men have continued on another domestic romp. Punching their spot in this season’s FA Cup final after securing a 1-0 victory against Chelsea last weekend, the former Barcelona boss has a double-winning campaign at the top of his agenda. Last seen in top-flight action storming their way to a routine 5-1 win against Luton on home soil, the Sky Blues know the importance of making another statement here. Sat in pole position to claim a fourth consecutive Premier League crown this season, Guardiola’s men should be smelling a chance here. Including a 2-1 win when they met Brighton for their reverse showdown on October 21st, City have collected 13 points from their previous five Premier League battles against Thursday’s hosts.

Team News

Missing out at Wembley last weekend and with Guardiola confirming that he is dealing with a recent injury issue, attacking talisman Erling Haaland is once again seen as a real doubt on Thursday night. However, aside from the reigning Golden Boot winner, Manchester City have reported a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to the Amex.

While Argentina ace Julian Alvarez might have failed to bag a single Premier League goal since the end of January, the 24-year-old will spearhead City’s charge here. Settling for a spot on the bench at Wembley last weekend, central defender Ruben Dias should be handed a full recall.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Brighton and Manchester City met for their reverse Premier League showdown on October 21st, the Sky Blues collected a 2-1 victory at the Etihad.
• Man City have collected 13 points from their previous five Premier League meetings against Brighton.
• The Seagulls have collected just a pair of wins from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
• Brighton have failed to secure consecutive domestic victories since the middle of September.
• Manchester City have collected 19 points from their previous seven Premier League showdowns away from the Etihad.

Conclusion

While Manchester City might have suffered Champions League heartbreak last month, the Sky Blues are sat in pole position to make more domestic history this season. Knowing the importance of making another statement here, Guardiola’s men will be excited by a stellar record against an inconsistent Brighton. Mustering 13 points from their previous five Premier League showdowns against the Seagulls, we are backing an away victory for the title scrappers.

Verdict: Manchester City win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet