Manchester City aim to maintain unbeaten start at home to Brighton

Brighton & Hove Albion face the difficult task of inflicting a first home defeat on Manchester City since December 2018.

The Citizens are unbeaten at home since the 3-2 reverse defeat to Crystal Palace 253 days ago.

Under the supervision of Pep Guardiola, City are favourites once more to challenge for the Premier League title – a race in which many expect to be between the Manchester club and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

Guardiola’s side were forced to accept a point in their last home outing as VAR ruled out Gabriel Jesus’ late winner against Tottenham.

In comparison, Albion boss Graham Potter will be hoping to build on a strong start in which the Seagulls have picked up four points from their three opening fixtures.

Brighton will, however, be incredibly wary of City’s severe prowess in front of goal. The reigning champions have already demonstrated not to be shy having netted ten goals, and conceding just two, from three league matches.

Team news

Manchester City: John Stones (thigh) could make a return to the squad after a brief spell on the sidelines; Leroy Sane (ACL), Gabriel Jesus (hamstring) and Benjamin Mendy (knee) are all definite absentees.

Brighton: Florin Andone will be unavailable after being sent off against Southampton last week. Jose Izquierdo (knee), Yves Bissouma (shoulder) and Ezequiel Schelotto (knee) remain long-term absentees.

From the dug-outs

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola commented upon facing a relatively unknown threat by Brighton.

“They have a new manager and have made some changes.

“They will play five in the back so they are more aggressive in terms of high press and they start quite well and in their game against Southampton played with 10 men for 55 minutes. Prepare for the game and try to win it.”

Graham Potter, meanwhile, admitted taking on the reigning champions is always a difficult job.

“It’s excitement and it’s a great challenge that you play against the best team.

“It’s always a fantastic opportunity to play against the champions, especially at their home.

“It is the toughest challenge you are going to get but a great opportunity for us to learn about ourselves.”

Head-to-head

The two sides have matched up on 22 occasions. City have won 13 of those meetings; Brighton’s last victory came in the League Cup on penalties in September 2008.

Brighton have only scored twice in their four previous League fixtures against Manchester City.