In an effort to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City will head to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this Saturday. The Seagulls, too, are seeking a return to form after losses in their last two matches against Liverpool in the EFL Cup and Premier League.

For the first time since April 2018, Man City have lost three consecutive games, leading Bernardo Silva to describe the club as being in a “dark place,” though Guardiola disagrees. Nonetheless, the Citizens are grappling with a challenging week that saw losses in three competitions.City’s recent 2-1 defeats to Tottenham Hotspur (EFL Cup) and Bournemouth (Premier League) were followed by a 4-1 loss to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, ending their 26-game unbeaten run in the competition under new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.Despite the setbacks, Guardiola remains committed to the “tough challenge” at Man City, who hope to enter the international break on a positive note by securing a win over Brighton, which would temporarily return them to the top of the league until Liverpool plays Aston Villa later in the day.City’s recent league loss to Bournemouth ended their club-record 32-game unbeaten run, dropping them to second as Liverpool moved two points clear at the summit with a 2-1 win over Brighton. Despite squad depletion and defensive struggles, City remains hopeful, having won 37 out of 42 possible Premier League points against Brighton (W12 D1 L1).Brighton, meanwhile, put in a spirited performance in their last game at Anfield, where a goal from Ferdi Kadioglu had them leading before two quick goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah turned the game around, resulting in their second league loss of the season. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler saw it as a “big chance” missed and has encouraged his players to elevate their performances against top teams.The Seagulls have dropped 10 points from winning positions this season and are unbeaten in five home games (W2 D3) at the Amex. However, they face a formidable opponent in City, having lost 13 of their last 15 meetings, including a 4-0 defeat at home in April.

Key players Solly March (ACL), James Milner, and Adam Webster are set to return after the international break, though Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley could make the squad after recovering from ankle injuries. Doubts remain over Lewis Dunk (calf) and Yankuba Minteh (muscle), while Yasin Ayari (ankle) may be available following his early exit against Liverpool. Carlos Baleba is also expected to return after missing the last match due to a knee issue.In-form striker Danny Welbeck, with six goals in 10 league games, is expected to start despite never having scored against City in 19 meetings. Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma are likely to join him in the attack.City’s squad still faces some absences, with Rodri (ACL) and Oscar Bobb (leg fracture) sidelined. Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Jack Grealish are also out until after the international break. Kevin De Bruyne, back from a nine-game layoff, may make another substitute appearance as he builds fitness.Guardiola will decide between Kyle Walker and Rico Lewis at right-back, while Nathan Ake could replace Jahmai Simpson-Pusey in central defense. Jeremy Doku, returning from injury, hopes for a starting role, while Erling Haaland is expected to lead the attack despite a recent scoring drought and a missed penalty in the Champions League.

With both teams posing threats in attack and vulnerabilities in defense, a lively Premier League encounter could be in store. Brighton have conceded 40 goals against City – more than against any other PL team – while City have kept only five clean sheets in 17 games this season. Guardiola’s squad must remain competitive to avoid losing ground to Liverpool and Arsenal, though a draw with Brighton could be on the horizon.

Best Tip: Over 1.5

Correct Score: 2-2