Football Prediction | Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester City | Premier League 2025/26 | August 31 – Will City Get Back on Track?

The defending Premier League champions Manchester City travel to South Coast to face Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend and it promises to be an entertaining match. Brighton will be keen to put their opponents under pressure with their attacking style of playing and their high press game. Manchester City will look to use their talented players on the pitch to keep their winning run intact and the unbeaten run going.

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester City Form Guide

Brighton and Hove Albion

Brighton remain as impressive as ever with a truly effective and progressive style of play and attacking transitions. O’Riley has performed excellently and found some really crucial goals from middle of the pitch, as well as positive momentum from the wingers Mitoma and Minteh. Brighton are still a width and pace threat out wide. Their defence was led Dunk was, reasonably solid, but showed inconsistencies against elite avenues of attack.

Manchester City

Manchester City remain one of the strongest sides in the league, blending attacking power with defensive solidity. Haaland has been in unstoppable form, delivering goals at a frightening rate. Creative outlets like Reijnders and Cherki give City multiple dimensions in attack. In defense, Stones links up with Dias. The duo works relentlessly to keep attackers at bay. Together, they allow City to preserve both stability and dominance across the pitch.

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester City Key Battles

O’Riley vs E. Haaland

O’Riley has been Brighton’s most reliable scorer, often arriving from deep to make decisive contributions. His ability to find space between midfield and attack will test City’s defensive midfield coverage. Haaland, meanwhile, remains City’s most lethal weapon, thriving on service and punishing any lapse in concentration. This duel of contrasting scorers could determine which team edges the final outcome.

Minteh vs T. Reijnders

Wide-open fields suit Minteh perfectly. His lightning bursts and slick technical play keep defenders on edge. His duel against City’s midfield creators will be crucial in shaping Brighton’s attacking threat. Reijnders, however, has been exceptional in combining goals with assists, linking midfield to attack seamlessly. Whoever dictates more influence in this contest could tip the balance for their side.

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester City Tactical Outlook

Brighton will play at their usual high-tempo, high press, looking to disrupt City’s rhythm. O’Riley’s late runs and the speed of Minteh will be important weapons in the attacking phase. Mitoma’s trickery from the left will seek to stretch the City defense. Brighton will need to remain compact defensively and not get caught out by the City team because they will exploit spaces quickly at speed as well.

City are expected to dominate possession, building patiently from the back with Dias and Stones providing stability. Haaland will be the focal point, supported by creative supply from Reijnders and Cherki. Bobb and González could provide extra dynamism in advanced areas. City’s game plan will rely on wearing Brighton down with relentless movement and precision.

Head-to-Head Encounters

In this Fixture City are a team that has had a solid hold over recently, regularly winning. Brighton at times have threatened City with- attacking-with-pace runs and played some decent attacking spells. However they lacked the attack needed to finish it off. City through there squad depth and solid squad consistency have had more success than Brighton in the past. This is an opportunity for Brighton to measure themselves against the very best again.

Injury News and Suspensions

Brighton and Hove Albion

Brighton are dealing with several injuries to address ahead of the match. Julio Encisco and Solly March continue to have long-term injuries, and Lamptey is not available. Rutter and Watson are doubtful, leaving Brighton without any margin for depth.

Manchester City

City also are having some issues with fitness as well. Not only is Gvardiol managing a small setback, but Savinho has a similar concern. That situation leaves both players in the “uncertain to play” group. Kovacic faces several weeks on the sidelines due to an Achilles tendon issue, targeting the first week of October for his comeback. Bettinelli is also doubtful. Rayan Ait Nouri is dealing with an ankle injury and not likely selected

Brighton vs Manchester City Possible Playing Squad

Brighton and Hove Albion

Verbruggen (GK), Dunk, van Hecke, De Cuyper, Wieffer, Baleba, O’Riley, Mitoma, Minteh, Ayari, Welbeck

Manchester City

Trafford (GK), Dias, Stones, Lewis, Ait Nouri, Reijnders, Cherki, Bobb, González, Marmoush, Haaland

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Brighton provides an explosion big enough of energy and attacking flair to potentially concern Manchester City, but the champions are all about depth and finishing quality. I expect a competitive match, with City showing their experience to pull through for the win.

Score Prediction

The Seagulls went down 1–3 to City, despite O’Riley’s effort on the scoresheet. Haaland and Reijnders made sure Pep’s side walked away with all three points. Brighton will struggle to contain City’s relentless attack for the full 90 minutes.