Manchester City vs Brighton Prediction & Betting Tips (7 January)

Despite a rather interesting return to form in recent weeks, Manchester City remains in the shadow of Arsenal this year. Pep Guardiola's squad is in fact 6 points behind the Gunners before the start of this 21st day. The fault in particular is their last 2 draws conceded against Sunderland 0-0 and against Chelsea 1-1 last weekend. Before these 2 setbacks, the Sky-Blues had put together an excellent series of 6 consecutive successes in the Premier League alone. On the other hand, Brighton are obviously not sailing in the same waters as their opponent of the day and winning a potential title is clearly not on the agenda.

Nevertheless, the visitors remain in the big pack capable of competing for a European place at the end of the season. Indeed, the Seagulls are only 3 units behind the top 5 and they are currently in 10th place in the rankings. Irregular in recent weeks, Fabian Hurzeler's men had gone 6 games without a win including a final draw conceded against West Ham 2-2 before finally returning to success against Burnley 2-0 last weekend. 

The Citizen will have to approach this match without the experienced defender Stones, long-term missing midfielder Kovacic and winger replacing Bobb. Absent against Chelsea, the midfielder Nico and winger Savinho could also throw in the towel, as could defender Gvardiol who has also joined the infirmary. To this, add the absences of replacements Ait-Nouri (lateral) and Marmoush (attacker) who are still competing in the CAN with their respective selection.

On the other hand, the influential Cherki (2 goals and 7 assists in PL), Foden (7 goals and 2 assists in PL) and Haaland (19 goals and 4 passes in PL) should be able to hold their place in this meeting.

• Summary: Manchester City is going head to head with Brighton & Hove Albion starting on 7 Jan 2026 at 19:30 UTC at Etihad Stadium stadium, Manchester city, England. The match is a part of the Premier League .
• Referee: Thomas Bramall
• Manchester City Feedinco Rating: 7.01
• Brighton Feedinco Rating: 6.80