Game Week 11 Predictions: Manchester City to beat Brighton

Brighton hosts Manchester City aiming for a top-four push, while City seeks to end their three-game losing streak in a high-stakes clash.

Brighton could hand Manchester City a damning defeat on Saturday at the Amex but they must stay focused for the entirety of the game. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Brighton vs. Manchester City.

The Amex Stadium

6:30pm

The champions have suffered three consecutive losses; in Pep Guardiola's illustrious career, he has never suffered four consecutive losses. Will Brighton deliver him his all-time low?

Depending on certain surrounding results, Brighton could move straight into the top four with a win over the champions at the Amex; it’s not a result they haven’t achieved before, but it’s one that could have a huge significance in the title race.

What is happening at Manchester City? In the loss at Bournemouth last weekend, the Cityzens gave the game everything, but the Cherries didn’t stop running. Manchester City created a host of chances, but they couldn’t put away more than one.

In the midweek loss at Sporting Lisbon, Erling Haaland smashed a penalty against the crossbar. They had chances cleared off the line, but their defensive fragility continues to force questions down their table; they must find solutions to that.

Brighton hasn’t been impressive of late; they concede late goals and throw leads away for fun. Last weekend, the Seagulls led Liverpool 1-0 and ultimately lost 2-1; prior to that, they threw away a two-goal lead to settle for a draw against Wolves; they must remain focused.

Joao Pedro could return from injury for the hosts, but don't expect him to start with Danny Welbeck dominating and Georgino Rutter playing off him. Solly March is back in training, but don't expect him to return right away.

Despite his injury, Lee Carsley has named Jack Grealish in the England squad for the final two games of the year. Although we don't expect him to play at the Amex, he may be available for the England games.

Despite only scoring once in his last five league games, Erling Haaland will lead the line against Brighton. Savinho and Phil Foden are ready to support the Norwegian, and we could also see the return of Kevin De Bruyne.

Both sides play attractive football; it will be end-to-end for the best part of the game, but Brighton could tire out early if they don’t manage their energy. One player to watch is Jovsko Gvardiol. The defender now averages a goal a game; Brighton must watch out for him the same way they do Haaland.

Verdict: Manchester City to win.