MY ACCOUNT
– Brighton are looking to win for the fifth time in seven outings
– Manchester City have conceded in three of their last four trips to Brighton
– Recommended bet: Brighton or draw double chance
Manchester City have had to play at a high intensity to stay on course for the treble but they can take a more relaxed attitude into Wednesday’s trip to Brighton as they begin the build-up to two major finals.
For once the result will not be all-important to the Citizens, and there is very little riding on the outcome for Brighton, who look assured of Europa League football for next season.
Supporters from both clubs are likely to be in high spirits and will be looking forward to the prospect of an entertaining game.
Team news
Brighton have nailed down European qualification despite having to deal with plenty of injuries.
They approach the City game without Solly March, Adam Lallana (both thigh), Jakub Moder (knee), Jeremy Sarmiento (ankle) and Tariq Lamptey (knee), while they also have a doubt over Adam Webster (muscle strain).
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is out of favour after losing his place to Jason Steele.
City have kept a remarkably healthy squad and only have a doubt over Nathan Ake, who is battling to recover from a thigh strain.
Ake has been absent for a shade over two weeks.
The stats
Brighton are chasing a fifth victory in seven games and have amassed 61 points, 10 more than their record Premier League tally (51) set in the previous campaign.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side have scored 70 league goals, the fourth highest in the division and 28 more than last term.
City have churned out 12 successive victories since a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest in February and have scored in each of their last 24 fixtures.
The Citizens have won their last three matches without conceding a goal but they have registered just one shutout on their last four visits to Brighton.
Prediction
Barring a freak of mathematics, Brighton are heading for a top six finish, but they seem unlikely to take their foot off the pedal and can register a point or three against City at the Amex.
Having come this far, Brighton will be determined to see out the season in a professional manner.
They have an outside chance of challenging Liverpool for fifth place and will want to test themselves against one of the best teams the Premier League has ever seen.
City stormed to the title with a run of 11 straight wins and added a 1-0 success over Chelsea at the weekend, although they were nowhere near as convincing as in recent weeks.
Pep Guardiola deployed several fringe players on Sunday and will continue to strike a balance between keeping his key men sharp and free from injury.
City’s squad stars will look to catch the eye but their big-hitters are sure to be aware of the massive games coming up and they might be less willing than usual to put their bodies on the line.
Brighton might have the edge in terms of commitment and they can bring plenty of quality to the table.
They have beaten Manchester United (1-0) and Arsenal (3-0) this month and will fancy their chances of taking another major scalp.
Back Brighton or draw double chance at 23/20 with LiveScore Bet.
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