Brighton v Manchester City

With games in hand after both teams reached the FA Cup semi final, Brighton face off against Manchester City just a few days before the final match of the season. Manchester City have already wrapped up the title this year but Pep will want to extend his team’s unbeaten run so that they go into their first cup final full of confidence. It is a chance for Pep to try some things, but Manchester City will stick to their principles and play attractive football.

Brighton have been one of the feel-good stories of the season and have guaranteed European football next season. Brighton will want a point in this game as it will guarantee them Uropa League, so don’t expect them to have eased off for this game. Pep Guardiola has been nothing but appreciative about Brighton’s style of play and this should be a very watchable match between two great footballing teams.

This piece includes a 2/1 Brighton vs Manchester City bet builder for what should be a top match of football, something that will add further spice to what should be a great match.

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Seagulls within touching distance of Europa League football

After their 3-1 win in midweek, Brighton have secured their spot in at least the Europa Conference League next season and a point in here will guarantee them a spot in Europa League. A win would also still give Brighton an outside chance at finishing 5^th going into the last match of the season, either way, they are guaranteed their highest-ever finish as a club. Brighton are in decent form, they have won 3 of their last 5 matches, however, a 5-1 loss to Everton and a 4-1 loss to Newcastle hang over them as some of their more disappointing results. 

Brighton’s inconsistency has been an issue recently, but even in defeat they often play some really good football. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described them as playing the best football in the league earlier this season and Brighton’s high possession passing style has caught the eye of many. Irish youngster Evan Ferguson has been a breakout star for Brighton this season and the 18-year-old’s 2 goals against Southampton took his tally for the season to 6, despite his limited minutes. If chosen to start again here he could be the difference maker against Manchester City.

Brighton team news

Brighton have several players missing due to injury, Lamptey and Sanchez are both out with long-term injuries while Solly March and Adam Lallana may be available for the weekend, but this game will come too early for them.

There is some good news on the injury front for Brighton, Adam Webster may be fit enough to make the squad but it seems unlikely that he will be risked today considering there is not much to play for in Brighton’s remaining matches. For Brighton bet builders we can expect them to play their strongest lineup to try and confirm the final point they need for Europa League football.

City’s celebrations interrupted by seaside stop

Manchester City are chasing the treble but have 2 league matches left to enjoy before their cup finals. Manchester City are on a fantastic run of form, 24 matches unbeaten in all competitions but Pep will know Brighton’s quality is a risk to that run here. While Manchester City are playing well, in their match against Chelsea, having already won the league, they were far from their best and really performed at a level of the bare minimum to secure the win. 

Therefore there are a lot of unknowns before this match, making Brighton vs Manchester City predictions a lot harder. Will City turn up again after many of their top players were rested and be back at their very best or will they be the same relaxed, more open team that faced Chelsea? Pep won’t like his teams to relax too much as he will want this unbeaten run to go till the end of the season, therefore we can expect some of the big names to come back into the starting lineup here, and while they may still be a bit open if they are to go behind they will quickly get back into their old selves and play to their full ability again.

Manchester City team news

Manchester City have massively benefitted from a lack of injuries recently and with only Nathan Ake currently out, they have plenty of options here. Pep made a lot of changes to the lineup with a much-rotated squad and also seemed to change the system a little with Alvarez starting up front.

We can expect the likes of Haaland, Rodri, and Dias to start in this match however do not be surprised to see them subbed off early as Pep wraps his best players in cotton wool in the lead-up to their finals.

Brighton v Manchester City Cheat Sheet

It may be difficult to navigate Man City certainties in terms of lineup, given how they have already secured the league, but there are some interesting possible selections amongst this Brighton side. Liverpool-bound Alexis Mac Allister is on both set pieces for Brighton in this clash and currently averages just under one shot on target per game (0.88). The Argentinian could be a shrewd selection for a shot on target, given how Brighton matched City for possession in the reverse fixture.

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Brighton v Manchester City bet builder tips

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets *

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing *