Manchester City have ground to make up in the title race having dropped four points behind Arsenal at the top of the table. City do have two games in hand on the Gunners starting with tonight’s trip to Brighton.
Ahead of this one, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including what time it kicks off, how to watch the game, team news, probable XIs and a SkyBet Price Boost.
When is kick off?
Thursday 24th April, 20:00 (GMT)
Where is the match?
AMEX Stadium, Brighton
What TV channel is it on?
Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League
Form Guide
A season that promised so much is ending in a whimper for Brighton, who have won just two of their last 10 matches in all competitions. One of those two wins was at home against Roma in the second leg of the Europa League, with the damage done in the first leg in Italy. Winless in four, including a 3-0 loss to Arsenal at the AMEX earlier this month, the Seagulls have dropped into the bottom half of the table.
Manchester City are unbeaten in 17 in the league and booked their spot in the FA Cup final last weekend. City are four points off league leaders Arsenal heading into Thursday’s game, but this is the first of two games in hand for Pep Guardiola’s side and they can ill-afford to drop points tonight as they seek to defend their Premier League crown.
Team News
Brighton have a lengthy injury lost with no fewer than 10 players sidelined for Roberto De Zerbi’s side. Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March, Billy Gilmour and Pervis Estupinan are among those ruled out, and would have started if fit. This one comes too soon for Evan Ferguson, who should return in time for Sunday’s meeting with Bournemouth.
Erling Haaland is a confirmed absentee for Manchester City though the Norwegian hitman should return for Sunday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest. Phil Foden missed training earlier this week but has been passed fit to feature, though Pep Guardiola may be reluctant to use the midfielder from the outset. John Stones, who came off at half time against Chelsea on Saturday, is available.
Probable XIs
Brighton (4231) – Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Julio; Gross, Baleba; Adingra, Enciso, Pedro; Welbeck
Man City (3241) – Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Akanji; Doku, Silva, De Bruyne, Grealish; Alvarez
Manchester City aren’t afraid to chance their luck on goal when the opportunity presents itself. Only Arsenal (82) have scored more goals than City (76) in the Premier League this season, while City also rank second for shots on target (229) in England’s top tier this term. With the likes of Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva all expected to line up for the defending champions tonight, they’ll fancy their chances of putting out a statement win against this injury-hit Brighton side.
With a desire to put opponents to the sword, SkyBet have boost their price of City to have 10+ shots on target tonight from 10/3 to 11/2.
Score Prediction: Brighton 1-3 Manchester City
