By Karl Matchett
A drought!
It says a lot about how lethal he was earlier that he’s still five goals clear in the golden boot race, but Erling Haaland hasn’t scored for three games now and City could probably do with him rediscovering that clinical edge. He came close against Chelsea more than once, hitting the post in particular, but when it comes right down to it, it’s his goals which will likely prove the difference between whether City can catch Arsenal in the title race or not. When he’s plundering one or two a game, it means Pep Guardiola’s team almost certainly win. Without them, the fine margins – as the late concession of a goal against Chelsea highlight – in football mean dropping points is always a possibility.
City have created the most big chances this season, completed the most passes, scored the most goals and kept the joint-most clean sheets, but that hasn’t translated to the most points and they trail the Gunners by six points just past the halfway stage.
Reckless or ambitious?
As for the Etihad visitors, Brighton are a fun team to watch without question, but an erratic one. They seem caught between going all-out as an attack-minded team and trying to balance the number of youthful prospects in the side with some experienced and more steady heads – it’s a little chaotic overall as they are very much a ‘home’ team: only one defeat in ten at the Amex, but only two victories from ten on the road.
Recent form
Ten unbeaten in all competitions for Manchester City, a run of eight straight victories and then two draws of late. Brighton were on a run of six without a win until beating Burnley last time out. Albion have also conceded six in their last three away league games and haven’t won back-to-back matches since November.
Team news
Further emphasising the need for City to fire in attack are a spate of defensive injuries, which now sees Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias added to John Stones and the absent Rayan Aït-Nouri.
Omar Marmoush is also still away with Egypt. Mateo Kovačić is a long-term absentee but Rodri is back in action. Carlos Baleba is away at AFCON too for Brighton, with Yankuba Mintah likely to miss out, while Stefanos Tzimas is definitely out.
Key players
Rayan Cherki has been outstanding recently and although he’ll likely be rested sooner or later, with Savinho a doubt, Antoine Semenyo not having signed yet and both Oscar Bobb and Marmoush unavailable, he could be required to continue. Over the last year he’s ahead of 99% of European midfielders for chances created and all 100% for touches of the ball. In the Premier League this term he’s top for assists, xA per 90 and big chances created.
Prediction
Might be more chances and goals than you’d expect as Brighton look to make a match of it, but firepower will win out: Man City 4-2 Brighton.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.
