Brighton Set to Challenge Man City Dominance: Key Battles and Starting XI Revealed

Brighton & Hove Albion are seeking their maiden win of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign, though the Seagulls face a challenging task to secure victory in Gameweek 3.

Manchester City await as Brighton's next challengers, with Pep Guardiola's squad arriving following a familiar setback against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad.

Although Brighton remain winless in league action, they comfortably dispatched second-division Oxford United in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday with a commanding 6–0 victory.

The Citizens received widespread praise for their display on the opening weekend at Molineux, where summer signing Tijjani Reijnders impressed in his first appearance, though last week's loss makes it challenging to predict what Guardiola's team will deliver this season.

Fabian Hürzeler's Brighton, on the other hand, will consider themselves unfortunate at the campaign's start, having surrendered an advantage late against Fulham before inexplicably suffering a 2–0 loss at Everton last weekend. Brighton controlled proceedings at the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium, but paid the price for poor finishing in the final third.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Sunday's Premier League encounter.

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Brighton vs. Man City Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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Brighton Team News

Extensive rotation was implemented during the midweek Carabao Cup fixture at Oxford United, and Hürzeler will return to a comparable starting eleven to the one deployed at Everton's new venue last weekend, despite their loss.

The Seagulls manager has indicated that Georginio Rutter is nearing a return from a minor injury layoff, though Sunday's match may come too early for the ex-Leeds United forward. Solly March continues his recovery, while Julio Enciso appears destined for departure.

Adam Webster remains a long-term casualty.

Brighton Predicted Lineup vs. Man City

Brighton predicted lineup vs. Man City (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Gómez, Mitoma; Welbeck

Man City Team News

Guardiola has verified that Rayan Aït-Nouri will be available for Sunday's clash, despite picking up a knock that forced his first-half withdrawal in last week's loss to Spurs. The summer recruit could therefore maintain his position at left-back, with Joško Gvardiol questionable.

The City manager hinted that Rodri will earn his first start following the international break, but he has received a Spain call-up. The Ballon d'Or winner appeared as a substitute last time out, having been absent for the Molineux victory. Phil Foden has also recovered fitness and may be ready for his season debut.

Savinho and Mateo Kovačić continue their rehabilitation, while French reports have confirmed Rayan Cherki's absence due to injury.

Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Brighton

Man City predicted lineup vs. Brighton (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Lewis, Dias, Stones, Aït-Nouri; Nico, Reijnders; Foden, Silva, Doku; Haaland

Brighton vs. Man City Score Prediction

A 2–1 setback at this venue last season marked the beginning of Man City's sharp decline to close 2024, but Guardiola returns to the Amex with several exciting new acquisitions in his arsenal.

The shine from their opening weekend success was tarnished by Thomas Frank's Lilywhites, and City now confront a Brighton side that has performed considerably better than their single-point tally indicates across two matches.

Goals are usually guaranteed when these teams meet, and we anticipate another thrilling contest on Sunday, which the away side should narrowly claim.

Prediction: Brighton 2–3 Man City