Brighton vs Manchester City prediction: All the data and trends from this fixture ​

After a shock 0-2 loss to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Manchester City will be eager to get back to winning ways as they face Brighton away in Match Day 3 of the 2025-26 English Premier League season. The first home game of the season didn't go to plan for Pep Guardiola's men who put in arguably their worst Premier League performance in a long time against Spurs. It was a huge wake up call for them after the comfortable 4-0 win in the season opener against Wolves. A win and a loss after two games isn't how City generally start their campaign, and Pep would want his side to get on a roll, particularly with Arsenal and Liverpool having started on a stronger footing.

Brighton, meanwhile, started with a draw against Fulham in a contest that they'd feel they should and could have won. Instead of getting all three points, they had to be content with a solitary one. Against Everton, even that wasn't achieved as Fabian Hurzeler's men went down 0-2 against the Toffees. Against a potent City outfit, things don't get any easier for Brighton but this is a duel that historically produced thrilling contests, largely due to their ability to punch above their weight against City.

Tactics

For City, it will be the trademark 4-3-3 formation from Pep with emphasis on positional flexibility. Omar Marmoush and Oscar Bobb are on the wings to support Erling Haaland who will be hungry as usual for goals. Tijjani Rejinders's signing has come as a massive boost for City and his presence along with Rodri in the midfield makes that area formidable for the side. For Brighton, their formation revolves between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 depending on attack or defence. Yankubah Minteh is their dark-horse in attack while Kaoru Mitoma will have to step up if the side has to show attacking nous.

Danny Welbeck is the center forward for Brighton but expect Georgino Rutter and Yasin Ayari to make a bigger impact, although they would have limited time from the bench in this encounter. Brighton's pattern of play does have shades of City's foundation in it, so this could make for an entertaining affair, if both sides are in the groove. City will be desperate and expect them to operate at high levels. If Brighton don't show up, they could even get a battering here.

Last 5 head-to-head contests

24/5/2023 - Brighton 1 Manchester City 1

21/10/2023 - Manchester City 2 Brighton 1

25/4/2024  - Brighton 0 Manchester City 4

9/11/2024  - Brighton 2 Manchester City 1

15/3/2025  - Manchester City 2 Brighton 2

Prediction and goal trends

As mentioned above, this fixture has traditionally been entertaining and has seen a lot of goals. While both teams have had a colder start to this season, that could change in this fixture. Expect City to iron out their rust and come out on top in this contest.

Prediction: Manchester City 2 Brighton 1