Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Manchester City are slipping in the Premier League title race after back-to-back draws against Chelsea and Sunderland. As a result, frontrunners Arsenal have daylight, after having built a six-point cushion heading into Matchday 21 of the 2025-26 campaign.
Pep Guardiola’s men are level with third-seeded Aston Villa, and it won’t get easier for them on Wednesday, when they host Brighton at the Etihad Stadium. The Seagulls are eight notches below the Sky Blues with 28 points, but they’ve been the hosts’ bogey team recently.
Brighton are coming off a much-needed 2-0 win over Burnley last weekend, and Fabian Hurzeler’s men are hoping for more positive Premier League 2026 results to make a late push for European football, with at least five teams above them in the English top-flight standings.
Without further ado, continue reading below for the SBOTOP preview of this high-profile contest.
Talking Points
Manchester City lose rearguard pillar
Manchester City are rueing their missed opportunity to get closer to Arsenal, following their 1-1 draw against manager-less Chelsea at home yesterday. After Tijjani Reijnders put the Sky Blues up by one during the 42nd minute, it looked like they were on their way to getting three more points.
However, Manchester City conceded a late equaliser from Enzo Fernandez, and many felt that Guardiola’s defencive substitutions played a role. Josko Gvardiol left the pitch early in the second half due to a fractured right tibia and was replaced by Abdukodir Khusanov. And Ruben Dias also picked up a knock and was replaced by Nathan Ake in the 81st minute.
Gvardiol has been one of the Sky Blues’ most versatile defenders, and his diagnosis suggests he’ll be out for the next few weeks. This is a massive blow for Manchester City, and the team must find internal solutions to remain competitive. In fact, after Gvardiol’s injury, Manchester City immediately recalled Max Alleyne, on loan at Watford, to provide additional depth at the back.
Furthermore, Sky Blues fans are slightly worried about Erling Haaland’s recent dip in form, as the Norwegian striker has failed to score in each of his last three Premier League appearances. Haaland has never had four successive starts without scoring in his English top-flight career.
Brighton finally end winless run
After three draws and three losses in their last six games, Brighton secured a 2-0 home win against Burnley on Saturday. Fabian Hurzeler’s side were in full control throughout, underlined by the 599 passes they attempted, which is their highest in a top-flight game this term, while enjoying more than 60-per cent possession.
Georginio Rutter and Yasin Ayari scored the goals in each half, while Kaoru Mitoma also found the back of the net but was called for offside. Maxim de Cuyper’s late free-kick almost made it 3-0, but his attempt hit the post.
During the second half, Pascal Groß subbed in, and he received a hero’s welcome. And the feel-good feeling at the AMEX Stadium continued when James Milner moved only four appearances shy of Gareth Barry’s all-time Premier League record of 653.
History
As noted, Brighton have been Manchester City’s bogey team lately, as they’ve gone undefeated in their last three Premier League games against them (W2, D1) after having avoided defeat in two of their first 14 against the Sky Blues in the competition (D1, L12).
However, Manchester City have never lost in their last 15 home league games against Brighton (W12, D3), and they’ve scored in all 17 of their Premier League matches against them, their joint-best scoring record against an opponent, along with Bournemouth. Pep Guardiola could draw three straight league games for the first time since December 2023 on Wednesday.
Brighton have conceded at least two goals in each of their last three Premier League away matches, last having a longer run of conceding that many between August and November 2022 (five).
Betting Tip
The Premier League 2026 odds predict Manchester City to end their winless run against Brighton on Wednesday. The Sky Blues are 1.37 favourites, whereas the Seagulls are huge 6.20 underdogs, and a draw is at 4.74 in the 1X2 market. Based on their recent meetings, there should be goals from both sides at the Etihad Stadium.
Besides our recommended bet, bettors may also want to consider Over 3.00 at 1.66, Over 3.25 at 1.91, and Over 3.50 at 2.14 for a higher scoring contest. If you fancy the Seagulls to stay unbeaten against the Sky Blues, check out the Correct Score of 2-1 in their favour – the result of their most recent league encounter – given its whopping 21.00 offer.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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