Manchester City v Brighton: Free Tips, Prediction and Odds

Manchester City are in a real battle to try and secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and a visit from seventh-placed Brighton represents another major test of their mettle.

The Seagulls are on an impressive run of six wins in a row in all competitions and will provide a real test for the Citizens, who were beaten 2-1 by Albion in the reverse fixture.

Manchester City v Brighton betting tips and predictions

Over 3.5 goals - 6/5

If Brighton fans had been told at the start of the season that they would be just a point behind City in the middle of March, they would have presumed it was a joke.

Nevertheless, the Seagulls are firmly in the race for a top-four spot alongside the Citizens, who have had an extremely disappointing season.

Pep Guardiola’s title favourites suffered their ninth league defeat of the season against Nottingham Forest last weekend and currently sit fifth as a result.

In an extremely congested battle for a European spot, every point counts and they face another difficult assignment when they host Albion, a side firmly on the up.

After a 7-0 humbling at the hands of Forest, Fabian Hurzeler’s outfit have been almost impeccable, winning six games in a row including victories over Newcastle United, Chelsea and Fulham.

The Seagulls are a young team and some inconsistency is to be expected as a result, but they have been impressive going forward this term and look likely to cause big problems for an injury-hit City backline.

Guardiola will be without Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and John Stones for this game and in their absence a high-scoring affair is fancied.

Brighton's last three away games in the Premier League have all gone over 3.5 goals and they look set for another.

Seven of the last 12 meetings between these two teams have produced four or more goals as their attacking play styles seem to bring out the best in each other.

The Citizens have only netted once in their last three league games, but for a team with the attacking riches at their disposal, that surely cannot last.

Brighton have also scored at least twice in their last six games and should more than play their part in what is set to be an entertaining affair, take over 3.5 goals.

Omar Marmoush to score at any time - 7/4

Of City’s January spending spree, Omar Marmoush was the best suited to hitting the ground running in the Premier League and so it has proven.

The Egyptian already has three league goals, to go with the 15 he netted in the Bundesliga in the first half of the campaign, and he is a constant threat for the Citizens.

Marmoush only featured from the bench against Forest last time out, but is likely to return to the starting line-up and could cause plenty of issues for an Albion defence that has not been perfect this term.

Carlos Baleba to be shown a card - 13/5

Carlos Baleba has proven to be a typical Brighton signing, with the youngster making a big impact in the Premier League in a short period of time.

The 21-year-old has already been linked with a move to a "bigger" club in the Premier League and will be looking to put in an impressive performance in this clash.

However, Baleba does struggle with discipline, having picked up eight cautions already this season and he is a tempting price to be booked in this clash.

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Manchester City v Brighton Odds

Manchester City - 4/6
Draw - 10/3
Brighton - 7/2

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.