Betting preview: Brighton vs Man City – Expect champions to have too much for plucky Seagulls


It’s an unlikely Champions League-chasing clash in store at the Amex as Manchester City face Premier League surprise package Brighton.

Man City have made a fine start to the season but they find themselves trailing both Liverpool and Chelsea.

There isn’t much in it, though, and they will be keen to keep applying the pressure in the title race.

Brighton, meanwhile, go into Saturday’s fixtures in fourth spot and looking down on the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.

It has been some turnaround by Graham Potter, who could only deliver a 16th-placed finish for the Seagulls last season.

It’s unlikely they will be able to sustain a top-four challenge, but Brighton will be looking to make hay while the sun shines on the south coast.

When, where and how to watch

When: Saturday, October 23, 5.30pm BST

Where: Amex Stadium

How to watch: Sky Sports

Best bets for Brighton vs Man City

Manchester City to win from behind at 17/2

Kevin De Bruyne to score anytime at 12/5

Draw half time, Man City full time at 31/10

Last time out

Norwich 0-0 Brighton (October 16, 2021)

Brighton went to basement club Norwich and they will unquestionably have been disappointed to come out of it with just a point.

Potter’s troops had the better chances at Carrow Road, but they were ultimately unable to find a breakthrough.

In the end, they were lucky to even escape with a point after being indebted to a big miss from USMNT forward Josh Sargent.

Manchester City 2-0 Burnley (October 16, 2021)

City thrashed Club Brugge in the Champions League in midweek, but last time out in the Premier League they secured a very routine home win over winless Burnley.

The Citizens struck early through Bernado Silva and they never looked like relinquishing control of the game thereafter.

Kevin De Bruyne eventually added the second 20 minutes from time, with the scoreline flattering Burnley.

Premier League head-to-head

Man City wins: 7

Draws: 0

Brighton wins: 1

Man City goals: 23

Brighton goals: 5

Man City still searching for striker solution

You’d never look at the Manchester City squad and identify a weakness, but they are probably not as strong as they’d like to be up front.

It’s a position they have not had to worry about for years, with Sergio Aguero all but guaranteeing goals.

However, the Argentinian moved on to Barcelona last summer and Man City failed in their attempts to prise Harry Kane from Tottenham.

That has left Ferran Torres and Gabriel Jesus as the recognised strikers in the squad, and the former has just suffered a foot injury.

Midfielders and wide players, including Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, have been tried in the ‘false nine’ position with limited success and Pep Guardiola is still looking for a real solution to the problem.

‘Lucky’ Brighton?

Neal Maupay celebtares

Brighton fans expecting another season of trying to scrape together 40 points are likely as surprised as anyone to see the Seagulls in fourth after eight matches.

For those who put it down to luck, boss Graham Potter agrees with you, to an extent at least.

“We’ve had some luck this time and last season we didn’t,” Potter explained when asked what the difference was this season. “We’ve started well, made a good start and got some points on the board.

“We’ve been through a lot of pain last year in playing well, but not getting the points and having meetings about how we can get the points and how we can improve.

“That’s what it’s about but you have to be consistent about how you are going to do it, how you are trying to get your results as that is the only way you are going to improve.”

Of course, while luck plays a part, Potter will know better than anyone that Brighton are just a better team this season. One that is good enough to get the better of Manchester City? Doubtful.

Goalscorer bets for Brighton vs Man City 

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne pictured during a game between Belgian soccer team Club Brugge and English club Manchester City

As mentioned, Man City are struggling for strikers at the moment, so they are likely to be reliant on their vast array of midfield talent for goals this season.

The talent at City’s disposal makes it tough to predict which of them will play, so a look at the team sheet may be needed before dipping your toe in this market.

However, Kevin De Bruyne to score anytime at 12/5 feels like pretty solid value.

For Brighton, Neal Maupay was the man behind their early rise, with four goals in his first six games. And, although he has failed to score in his last two, he could be just the man to take advantage early on if City still have their European exploits in their legs. 

He can be backed at 8/1 for the first goal.

READ MORE: As Man United struggle, can Spurs, Arsenal or Leicester gatecrash the Premier League top four?



Source link

Back to top button