Verdict: Joao Pedro over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Desperate to make a much-needed return to winning ways on Saturday afternoon, Manchester City will welcome Brighton to the Etihad.
Manchester City
Starting with the hosts, enduring what has been a real crisis this season, Manchester City have a real battle on their hands in the race to claim an essential top-four finish come May. Last seen falling to a late 1-0 loss away at Nottingham Forest, Pep Guardiola finds a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders. Watching their Champions League adventure come to an end last month following a 6-3 aggregate defeat against Real Madrid, the former Barcelona boss has a real job on his hands over the final couple of months. Opening Saturday’s return to the Etihad sat outside the Champions League spots, Man City should also be concerned by their most recent showdowns against the Seagulls. Suffering a 2-1 loss when they travelled to the Amex back on November 9th, Guardiola’s camp could be set for another tricky test here.
Manchester City Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Manchester City will once again be without the defensive trio of John Stones, Manuel Akanji and former Bournemouth star Nathan Ake this weekend. Likewise, reigning Ballon d’Or winner Rodri remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee issue.
Notching 20 goals in his 27 Premier League appearances this season, the record-breaking Erling Haaland will play a leading role here. Completing a big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt during the January transfer window, Omar Marmoush could be handed a full recall.
Brighton
As for the visitors, snatching a last-gasp 2-1 victory at home against Fulham last weekend, Brighton are enjoying what has become a sensational flurry. Skyrocketing their way up the standings and now sat within touching distance of finding a route into the Champions League spots, Fabian Hurtzler’s side find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Extending on their FA Cup adventure earlier in the month as they secured a 2-1 win away at Newcastle, the former St. Pauli boss has seen his squad win each of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Signing off February with another 2-1 victory against fellow high-flyers Bournemouth, Brighton should be relishing a trip to the blue half of Manchester this weekend. It should also be highlighted, Hurtzler’s men have won five of their last six showdowns away from the Amex.
Brighton Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Brighton will travel to Manchester without the likes of Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman, James Milner and Brazilian defender Igor. However, after serving a one-match ban last week, Tariq Lamptey will return to the Seagulls’ squad here.
Bagging a last-gasp winner against Fulham last weekend and now finding the net in three of his previous four meetings against Premier League opposition, ex-Watford star Joao Pedro will play a leading role. Former England international Danny Welbeck could be handed a full recall and replace Georgino Rutter in the final third.
Manchester City vs Brighton Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester City and Brighton met for their reverse Premier League showdown on November 9th, the Seagulls collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- In fact, Brighton have won each of their previous six consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Man City have failed to notch more than a single strike in four of their last five matchups across all formats.
- Guardiola’s men have registered just a single Premier League clean sheet at the Etihad since December 4th.
- Brazil international Joao Pedro has recorded three goals in his previous four meetings against Premier League opposition.
Conclusion
Enjoying what has become a remarkable purple patch and winning all of their previous six consecutive outings, Brighton should be relishing a trip to Manchester on Saturday afternoon. Landing a famous 2-1 victory when they welcomed the defending champions to town for their reverse Premier League meeting on November 9th, the Seagulls will be confident of asking some real questions here. With City notching just a single top-flight clean sheet in front of their own supporters since the start of December, a high-flying Brighton could be smelling the chance to collect another heavyweight scalp.
Verdict: Joao Pedro over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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