The Premier League weekend just gone left both Manchester City and Brighton nursing some serious wounds after tough away losses that nobody saw coming. The Citizens fell 2-1 to Aston Villa while the Seagulls got shut out 2-0 by Liverpool, meaning for the first time this season every side in the division has tasted defeat. City had been flying with seven straight wins before that Villa shock, but now they share the top spot with Arsenal on 21 points and the pressure is mounting fast. Brighton held on to third place despite the blank at Anfield and they remain the league’s hottest attack with 23 goals in just eight games, averaging almost three per match.
Team Form
Both sides started the campaign in top gear but the latest results have brought everyone back to earth with a bump. City lost their unbeaten record and sole leadership while Brighton could not find the net against a strong Liverpool side yet still boast the division’s best scoring record. The Seagulls have now gone two games without scoring after a 0-0 draw in Europe against Jablonec, so breaking that run against City looks like a must-do job.
- City lost first game of the season after seven wins in a row
- Brighton still third despite recent blanks
- Seagulls average nearly three goals per game in the league
Tactical Analysis
Against Pep Guardiola’s men the visitors have actually done well lately, picking up two wins and two draws in the last four meetings, so they will roll into the Etihad full of belief that another surprise is on the cards. Enzo Maresca’s arrival has not changed that mindset and the Brighton lads will be tuned in for a big performance. City on their part will be desperate to bounce back quickly and get back to their free-flowing best in front of their own fans.
Betting Proposal
With both teams known for open, attacking football and a history of high-scoring games between them, the types point to plenty of goals flying in. The Citizens and the Seagulls to combine for four goals or more looks a solid angle while the bolder punters can consider five or more at a tasty price. Manchester City and Brighton to score four goals and more. Over 3.5 goals at odds of 2.15.
Going even bigger with five goals or more also offers value given how both sides like to play and the fact that Brighton have been involved in goal fests all season long. The home side will push hard for an early response while the visitors have nothing to lose and will keep looking forward at every chance. Expect an end-to-end battle with chances at both ends.
