Man City vs Brighton: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Manchester City are aiming to move back into the Premier League's top four when they host Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Cityzens will rise into fourth should they beat the Seagulls, with Chelsea not in action until Sunday when they visit Arsenal. With fellow top four hopefuls Newcastle United not playing in the Premier League this weekend, Pep Guardiola's side have the perfect opportunity to further their bid for Champions League qualification.

The reigning champions suffered a frustrating defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend and must avoid more slip-ups between now and the campaign's conclusion. Guardiola has never failed to qualify for the Champions League as a coach but such an unexpected fate remains a very real possibility for the Spaniard this term.

Defeat for City this weekend would allow Brighton to leapfrog them in the standings as the south coast side continue their fight for a return to European competition. Four straight Premier League victories have boosted their chances and they enter Saturday's fixture in confident mood.

Here is 90min's guide to the clash.

What time does Man City vs Brighton kick-off?

Man City vs Brighton head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Man City vs Brighton on TV - UK & US

Man City team news

Defensive injuries are causing issues for City / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

Injuries have been a frustrating theme of City's season and one mitigating factor during an underwhelming campaign. Defensive issues are wreaking havoc on Guardiola's team selections, with Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake all sidelined for the long haul.

Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees and the former continues to be sorely missed by City, with Nico Gonzalez yet to fill the void left by his compatriot.

Guardiola has decisions to make across his lineup as he seeks a response to last weekend's defeat, with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis and Omar Marmoush potentially coming into the team this Saturday.

Man City predicted lineup vs Brighton

Man City predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-1-4-1): Ederson; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez; Savinho, Kovacic, Foden, Marmoush; Haaland.

Brighton team news

Lewis Dunk is one of many injured defenders / Dan Istitene/GettyImages

Brighton's recent form is all the more impressive considering the injuries they are currently battling, especially in the defensive third. Skipper Lewis Dunk is joined by Igor, Ferdi Kadioglu and Joel Veltman on the sidelines.

Jason Steele and former City midfielder James Milner are both long-term absentees, while Matt O'Riley is doubtful to feature having missed the last two games through a knee injury.

The good news for Brighton is that Tariq Lamptey will return from suspension after being sent off in the FA Cup fifth round. He should come in for Jack Hinshelwood at right-back.

Brighton predicted lineup vs Man City (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Webster, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro.

Man City vs Brighton score prediction

City can still salvage some pride from a disappointing campaign should they qualify for the Champions League and win the FA Cup, but neither will be straightforward given their current form. They have looked patchy in defence and surprisingly uninspiring in the final third despite a wealth of options.

Brighton are in excellent form and have beaten Newcastle, Bournemouth and Chelsea (twice) over recent weeks. Having already triumphed over City in November's reverse fixture, they will have few fears heading to the Etihad Stadium.

The Cityzens are in stronger form on home soil this season but could find life challenging up against the Seagulls' intensity.