Brighton & Hove Albion Vs Manchester City Prediction: The Seagulls Wants To Rise, The Citizens Are Ready To Revenge

Rayan Ait-Nouri, it is certain that he will return to fitness (photo: x @ManCity)

JAKARTA An interesting duel will be presented at the Amex Stadium this weekend when Brighton & Hove Albion hosted defending champions Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday 31 August. The two teams both tried to get up after losing the previous week, where The Seagulls fell at Everton's new headquarters, while The Citizens had to swallow the bitter pill at home after being defeated by Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City was again frustrated by the 'kutukan Tottenham'. After previously playing fiercely by destroying Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 in the first week, Pep Guardiola's side lost their way when Spurs traveled to the Etihad Stadium. Yah Johnson's goal with a quick counter-attack and the fatal blunder of goalkeeper James Trafford which led to Joao Palhinha's goal forcing City to give up 0-2.

The defeat was painful because it was also accompanied by injuries experienced by new recruits, Rayan Ait-Nouri, in the first half. The result broke City's 11-match unbeaten record in the Premier League, while at the same time making rivals such as Arsenal and Liverpool gain a three-point advantage at the start of the title competition.

However, City's away record is quite convincing. In the last five Premier League games away from Etihad, they never lost and even always kept the net goal. Now, they have the opportunity to make history by winning a clean sheet in six consecutive away matches for the first time.

Meanwhile, Fabian H\"urzeler's Brighton had a disappointing start. After only being able to play a dramatic draw against Fulham in the opening week, they were forced to go home empty-handed from Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton's new headquarters. Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner's goals, both thanks to City's Jack Grealish assist, cost Brighton a 0-2 defeat.

However, The Seagulls found a little confidence in the English League Cup in the middle of the week. They had a goal party by destroying Oxford United 6-0, where Stefanos Tzimas scored twice. Brighton also has good capital against City after last season managed to steal four points from six available against Guardiola's side.

Interestingly, if H\"urzeler is able to avoid defeat this time, he will be the second coach after Ronald Koeman to face Guardiola three times without losing once.

In the Manchester City camp, good news came from Rayan Ait-Nouri, who despite being injured against Spurs, who was confirmed to be ready to appear after entering the Algerian national team squad for the international break. However, City will still lose Josko Gvardiol and Savinho due to injuries, while Mateo Kovacic (betis) and Kalvin Phillips (Achilles) are also not available.

James Trafford is likely to remain trusted under the bar despite last week's blunder. This match is also special for Erling Haaland, who is ready to record his 100th appearance in the Premier League.

From Brighton, they got no new problems after fighting Everton and Oxford. However, Georginio Rutter is doubtful about appearing due to fitness issues. Adam Webster, Solly March, and Julio Enciso are still absent due to a knee injury. Enciso himself canceled his move to Strasbourg which had paved the way for Chelsea due to his fitness problems.

Carlos Baleba, who was linked with Manchester United, is believed to have remained until the transfer market was closed and will most likely return to the starting XI.

Brighton can hope the home atmosphere at Amex Stadium gives an extra boost after a poor performance on Merseyside. With the return of a number of major players, H\"urzeler's side are believed to be able to put up a fight and score goals.

However, the quality of the Manchester City attack line led by Haaland almost certainly returned sharply after being barren last week. Guardiola certainly didn't want his team to fall further behind the title-challenging rivals. City's outstanding clean sheet record also adds to City's confidence.

Brighton & Hove Albion (4-2-3-1):Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Van Hecke, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, O'Riley, Mitoma; Welbeck

Manchester City (4-1-4-1):Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Dias, O'Reliance; Rodri; Cherki, Silva, Reijnders, Marmoush; Haaland

Score prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-3 Manchester City.