Win or bust for Manchester City as they travel to Brighton in a season defining clash

The Premier League title will go right to the wire as Manchester City head to Brighton knowing they must at least match Liverpool’s result against Wolves to win the Premier League.

Following three 1-0 wins in a row, Manchester City are fighting tooth and nail to defend the Premier League trophy from Liverpool.

With the Merseyside outfit having been beaten once all season and currently on 94 points, the blue half of Manchester would surely record their biggest and best title win, exceeding the 100 points they picked up last term.

City’s fixture on the coast will be played simultaneously with Liverpool’s fixture at home to Wolves, meaning both sets of supporters will be keeping close tabs on the action elsewhere.. However, the equation for Pep Guardiola’s men is simple; a win and the crown belongs to them.

For the hosts, the season could not finish soon enough. Seemingly comfortable for the most part of the season, Brighton were plunged in a relegation battle in the latter stages of the season. Winless in eight, the Seagulls count themselves fortunate to be clear of danger with a game to spare, following Cardiff’s relegation confirmation last week.

From the dug-outs

Speaking on Friday to the media, the City boss underlined the importance of settling the nerves early on:

 “It would be nice to score quicker (on Sunday). We analysed Brighton this week. It will be tough. If the game is going bad we will be calm, we will have a plan and follow a plan like we have done all season.”

I didn’t expect a month ago, when we were seven points behind Liverpool to be here – it’s a dream.”

Beaten twice by the visitors this season at the Etihad and at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals, boss Chris Hughton knows the magnitude of task his side face on Sunday:

“When you speak about their threats you have to accept they have plenty. Vincent Kompany’s goal shows that on Monday – it’s about using our recent experiences against them and doing the best we can.”

Team News:

Brighton captain Bruno is set to play his last game in a 20 year career. The Spaniard has enjoyed a seven year spell with the Seagulls, including over 200 appearances.

Winger Jose Izquierdo (knee) continues to be sidelined, Davy Propper (hamstring) is also sidelined.

The defending champions will be without Fernandinho (knee) who faces a race to be fit for the FA Cup final. Benjamin Mendy (knee) is also set to continue his frustrating spell on the sidelines since joining Manchester City.

However, Guardiola confirmed Kevin De Bruyne could feature at the Amex after recently returning to training after a short spell out of the squad due to injury.

Prediction: Brighton and Hove Albion 0 – 2 Manchester City