Brighton vs Manchester City Predictions

• Both teams have scored in seven of the last nine meetings
• City have scored at least twice in ten of their last 13 games against Brighton
• Seven of the Seagulls’ last ten home matches have featured at least three goals

City hoping Spurs loss was just a blip

Manchester City have had to cope with the fallout of last Saturday’s surprise 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham, but they should be able to bounce back at Brighton on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s side contributed to their own downfall, especially by dithering in their own penalty area before Spurs’ second goal, but there was enough to like about the 4-0 success they posted on the opening weekend at Wolves to suggest they will be a force in the Premier League this season.

It looks far too early to write them off and we can expect a strong reaction against Brighton, to whom they have lost just twice in their last 18 meetings.

Seagulls still have a bit more to prove

Brighton ended last season in fine shape after claiming four wins and a draw from their final five Premier League matches, but some of that needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Their last two victories came against Liverpool, who had already been crowned champions, and Tottenham, where the shine of a 4-1 away win was taken off by the fact Spurs were still celebrating their Europa Cup win earlier that week.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side did gain a boost from a 6-0 EFL Cup win over Oxford on Wednesday, but they were frustrated by conceding a late goal in their 1-1 opening home game draw with Fulham and it was always going to be difficult going to Everton for their first game at their new stadium.

However, while two late goals gave them a 2-1 win over City last season, it was right in the middle of the Citizens’ slump and Guardiola’s boys head south in much finer fettle this time.

And with eight of the last nine meetings featuring at least three goals, it is worth doubling up the away win with over 2.5, while correct-score enthusiasts are pointed towards a 3-1 City success.

Reijnders can make his mark

Erling Haaland typically tops the anytime-goalscorer market, but it could pay to take a look at City’s new midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who was excellent in their opening game at Molineux.

He scored on that occasion and could do so again if he is afforded more space to go forward than he got against Spurs last week.