Despite three consecutive Premier League (PL) draws, Brighton & Hove Albion start this round just two points behind visitors Manchester City after making their best ever eight-game PL start (W4, D3, L1) to occupy fourth place prior to the round. However, they laboured to a goalless draw against Norwich City (October 16) and must raise their game against the reigning champions.
They did just that when winning this fixture 3-2 last term, but that was their first H2H success anywhere since 2008 (L8), and they scored more goals in that match than they had in the previous eight meetings! It’s hardly been a thrill-a-minute at the Amex Stadium this term either as their home league fixtures have produced an average of 1.75 goals per game (W2, D1, L1).
City may well increase that, however, as their midweek 5-1 UEFA Champions League demolition of Club Brugge was the fifth time they netted 5+ goals in all competitions this term. Yet to trail at half-time in the league this season (HT: W3, D5), Pep Guardiola’s side will hope there’s no European hangover as they’ve failed to win their next PL match following a continental tie on the last four occasions (D2, L2).
With the ‘Cityzens’ locked in a three-way battle with Chelsea and Liverpool at the top of the table and having taken points from trips to both (W1, D1), another solid performance on the road would both keep the pressure on their rivals and extend their lead over Brighton.
Players to watch: Leandro Trossard bagged Brighton’s opener in this fixture last season and they’ve won each of his last five goalscoring appearances. Kevin De Bruyne could provide late action, as he’s netted after the 65th minute in City’s last two PL matches.
Hot stat: Dirty ‘Seagulls’: Brighton have collected more yellow cards than any other team across the first eight PL matchdays (averaging 2.75 per match).
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