Manchester City take on Brighton in the Premier League this weekend with both sides in search of three points.
- Date: 31/08/2025
- Kick-off: 2:00pm
- Location: Falmer Stadium, Brighton
Brighton come into this game with one point from two games. The Seagulls drew 1-1 with Fulham on the opening day of the season after conceding a last gasp equaliser, a result that was followed by a 2-0 defeat at Everton last weekend.
The Seagulls lost Joao Pedro to Chelsea in the summer and his attacking replacement is Greek teenager Charalampos Kostoulas. While talented, Kostoulas is not ready to replace the quality of Joao Pedro at this stage in his career, and with no other major attacking incomings, Brighton fans will feel as though a big part of their team is weaker than last season, especially with Danny Welbeck ageing.
Brighton are unlikely to be in a relegation battle, but they're not particularly well placed to better last season's position either, especially with other sides around them arguably getting stronger on paper. They can make a big statement by beating Manchester City on Sunday, but it's not a result that will come easily.
Pep Guardiola's side are coming into this game with three points from two games. City made light work of Wolves on the opening day of the season in a 4-0 win, but a tacticially astute performance from Tottenham last weekend condemned them to a 2-0 loss.
City had clear deficiencies out of possession last season that led to their worst season under Guardiola since his first at the club, and the defeat to Tottenham has resurcafed some doubts around that part of their game. Still, though, there is hope that Rodri's full return will improve that aspect of the team, as he's yet to start a Premier League game since last season's 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the early portion of the campaign.
With last season's issues still lingering over the squad's head, two defeats in a row could be damaging to the team's confidence. It's important that they rebound with three points here to exorcise the memory of last weekend's loss, and with the quality in the squad, we think they'll get it done.
