[Albion] Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion *** Official Match Thread ***

[Dick Head]

Man City v Albion

PREMIER LEAGUE

Venue: Etihad Stadium
Date: Saturday 15th March 2025
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Simon Hooper
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long
Fourth Official: Anthony Taylor
VAR: James Bell
Additional VAR: Nick Hopton
​

TEAM NEWS

Manchester City are expected to have an unchanged squad for the visit of Brighton.

Defenders Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and John Stones remain out, along with Oscar Bobb and Rodri.

Tariq Lamptey is available for Brighton after serving a one-match ban.

This game comes too soon for Lewis Dunk, Joël Veltman and Matt O'Riley.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Manchester City have gone 14 home league matches without ever losing to Brighton, the longest unbeaten such run in their history (W12, D2).
• Albion have lost on each of their past 10 league visits to City but are vying for a first double in this fixture having won 2-1 at home in November.

Man City

• Manchester City have lost nine Premier League games this season; they last suffered 10 defeats in a campaign in 2015-16.
• Pep Guardiola has never lost 10 league matches in the same season in his managerial career.
• City could be beaten in consecutive home league fixtures for only the second time under Guardiola. It previously happened in April and May 2021.
• The reigning champions have conceded 38 Premier League goals this season, just one fewer than their highest tally under Guardiola set in 2016-17.
• Erling Haaland has been involved in 99 Premier League goals in just 93 appearances, scoring 83 and providing 16 assists. He can become the first player to reach 100 goal involvements in fewer than 100 games.

Albion

• Brighton have equalled their club record of four successive top-flight victories, the longest current winning run in the Premier League.
• The Seagulls have won six matches in a row in all competitions since their 7-0 league defeat away to Nottingham Forest at the start of February.
• João Pedro is attempting to become the first Brighton player to score in four consecutive Premier League appearances.

Fabian Hürzeler's Man City Press Conference

 

[Han Solo]

Loosely excited about this possibly season defining, feeling-invoking game taking place in the wrong stadium.

 

[Eeyore]

One win from Wembley. This match could be cup defining

 

[B-right-on]

So many records there to be beaten with a win:
- First time we'd win 5 top flights games in a row
- Pedro scores and he's the first Brighton player to score in four consecutive PL games
- Breaking the duck and winning there
- Doing the double over them
- City lost 9 games so far, Pep has never lost 10 league matches in the same season in his career.
- Score 2 or more and it's the most goals City have conceded under Pep

Very cautiously optimistic. Feels like we've got a real chance to beat them.

 

[BevBHA]

I would love it, love it if we beat them

 

[jimhigham]

They’re fragile at the back. Get into ‘em!

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

I've got a feeling about this one

 

[dstanman]

Game is there for the players to take the 3 points if they want them

 

[Beach Hut]

So excited

 

[Brighton1959]

We always used to call Man City (a) a free hit. Maybe it’s graduated to just a tough away fixture? 3 points today would be massive.

 

[London Irish]

On my way, let’s give ‘em hell

 

[The Andy Naylor Fan Club]

I would love it, love it if we beat them

 

[jakarta]

Marvellous return to form Mr. Head. 3AM start will take some beating for the rest of the season...

 

[PILTDOWN MAN]

Off to the Amex at midday. Soooo excited.

 

[dazzer6666]

Just about to hit the road

 

[Greg Bobkin]

This next game could be season-defining. These are a good side.

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

These are not what they were

 

[Right Back]

Could it be 12 points from Manchester?

 

[Nottseagull]

- Score 2 or more and it's the most goals City have conceded under Pep

What?!

 

[Safe.]

Think the key is to out run them. They have an ageing team and the next players in line aren't quite as good (still very good). If we use our energy to the optimal level we could have a chance of getting some points here.