Brighton vs Man City – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Seagulls have just one point from two league matches this season so far. City were comfortably beaten at home by Tottenham last Saturday. Brighton have one win and two draws in their last five clashes with City.

Match: Brighton vs Man City
When: Sunday, 31 August 2025

Brighton Form

The Seagulls have not made the best start to the new league season. They leaked a 96th-minute goal on the opening day to draw 1-1 at home with Fulham. In round two, they lost 2-0 at Everton despite putting up 2.43 xG. In midweek, a totally different XI beat Oxford United 6-0 away.

Brighton had a very strong finish to last season, winning four of their final five EPL matches. They beat West Ham 3-2 before a 1-1 draw with Newcastle. After winning 2-0 at Wolves, they beat champions Liverpool 3-2 at home. On the final day, they defeated Tottenham 4-1.

Brighton Team News

Brighton have four injuries for this match. Adam Webster, Solly March and Julio Enciso will play no part. Georginio Rutter has a chance of returning to the squad.

There were 11 changes in midweek and most of those will be reversed. Brajan Gruda is pushing for a start after excelling against Oxford. Jack Hinshelwood is another who could be handed a place in the XI.

Brighton Motivation

The Seagulls will be up for this game. They will see City as beatable after watching last week’s defeat to Tottenham.

An attacking approach is expected. They will look to get men forward against a vulnerable back four.

Man City Form

Manchester City had a mixed end to last season. They lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace but won their final two league matches. They were knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup in the quarter-finals, losing 4-3 to Al Hilal.

City began this season with a 4-0 win at Wolves. After a slow start, they scored three goals in 27 minutes and put up 2.47 xG. Last weekend, they lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham as defensive howlers played their part.

Man City Team News

City have four significant injury worries. Mateo Kovacic will play no part but all of Josko Gvardiol, Savinho and Rayan Ait-Nouri could be back in contention for this one.

Pep Guardiola could change up his team after last week’s poor display. Bernardo Silva and Jeremy Doku are likely to be recalled, whilst Rodri is nearing his first start of the season after injury.

Man City Motivation

City need a response to last week. Their confidence appears frail and their displays are very inconsistent.

A draw would not be seen as a good result as they will lose further ground in the title race. This is already a must-win fixture.

Key Stats

Brighton have won 4 of their last 7 PL matches

Brighton have conceded 11 goals in their last 6 league matches at home

City have dropped points in 3 of their last 5 matches vs Brighton (1 loss, 2 draws)

Man City have won 7 of their last 9 league fixtures

Verdict

This fixture promises to have goals. Neither side looks solid at the back and Brighton have every chance of taking a point, or more.

Best Bet: Brighton/Draw double chance at 1.93

Alternate Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.40