Manchester City vs Brighton prediction
The Premier League returns to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, 07.01.2026, with Manchester City hosting Brighton & Hove Albion in a Matchday 21 encounter. Kick-off is scheduled for 10:30 GMT+3. This fixture pits the third-placed Citizens, who have amassed 41 points, against the tenth-placed Seagulls, who sit on 28 points. Manchester City arrive with an imposing home record and strong goal difference, while Brighton will seek to upset the favourites following a recent victory and a competitive season to date.
Manchester City have recorded 13 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats overall, scoring 43 goals and conceding 17. Their home form is notable: 8 wins, no draws and only 1 defeat in league matches at the Etihad. Brighton & Hove Albion have produced 7 wins, 7 draws and 6 defeats with a goals tally of 30 scored and 27 conceded. Their away record is more modest: 2 wins, 3 draws and 5 defeats on the road. The last direct meeting between the two clubs ended in a 2:1 home victory for Brighton, and the head-to-head balance across the last five meetings stands even: 2 wins for Manchester City, 1 draw and 2 wins for Brighton.
For bettors and observers alike, the encounter presents a clear favourite in Manchester City but also the possibility of an open contest; Brighton have demonstrated resilience and are capable of scoring against top opposition. The managers leading the sides are Pep Guardiola for Manchester City and Fabian Hürzeler for Brighton & Hove Albion. Guardiola’s side seek to close gaps at the top of the table, while Hürzeler’s team will aim to continue their positive recent run.
Immerse yourself in our collection of EPL predictions in order to choose the one that suits your betting needs.
Main Tip: Man City Win – TIP 1
On balance, the principal betting prediction for this fixture is a Manchester City victory (Tip 1). The home side’s dominant record at the Etihad, their superior goal difference and their recent run of unbeaten matches across all competitions make them the clear favourites. Manchester City have demonstrated both defensive solidity — conceding only 17 goals in 19 league matches — and a potent attack capable of breaking down disciplined opponents. Brighton remain a tricky proposition, but their away form (only two wins) reduces the likelihood they will secure three points here. This selection is supported by the best available odds for the 1×2 market at 1xBet, where the home win is priced at 1.43.
Betting Tip 2: Over 2.5 & BTTS? Yes
Both teams to score is the recommended secondary betting tip for this match. Brighton have scored 30 goals in the league and have shown they can breach defences, including recent victories in which they have found the net. Manchester City’s attacking philosophy under Pep Guardiola encourages fluid forward play, yet they have conceded goals this season, with 17 goals against them in 19 league fixtures. In addition, the last direct encounter between these teams produced three goals, with both sides finding the back of the net.
This market is attractive because it combines the expectation of a City win with the realistic prospect of a Brighton goal, making the both teams score and over 2.5 prospect very possible. A market that balances risk and reward. The best quoted odds for this outcome is 1.78 at 1xBet.
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Betting Tip 3: Under 3.5 goals
The third betting angle is an Under 3.5 goals selection. While Manchester City are capable of prolific scoring, Brighton’s defensive organisation and the likelihood that City will control possession and the tempo suggest that the contest need not become a high-scoring affair. A 2:1 scoreline – our specified correct-score prediction – naturally falls within the Under 3.5 market. Under 3.5 is a pragmatic choice that accommodates a competitive contest with a few goals rather than an open, high-scoring thriller.
Although exact odds for the Under 3.5 market were not detailed in the provided data, the market itself is consistent with the broader forecast: City to win, Brighton to score, and the total number of goals to remain moderate. Bettors preferring lower-variance outcomes will find Under 3.5 goals a logical complement to the 1×2 and both-teams-to-score selections.
Statistics for Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Manchester City team news!
Manchester City, coached by Pep Guardiola, arrive at the Etihad with a strong statistical foundation. They have secured 41 points from 19 matches, occupying third place in the table. The team’s goal difference (+26) is a reflection of an efficient attack and a compact defence. Their home record is formidable: 8 wins, 0 draws and 1 defeat. Guardiola’s tactical nous and squad depth make City dangerous in multiple phases of play. Recent form across all competitions is robust: in the last five matches they have recorded 3 wins and 2 draws, remaining unbeaten as they approach this fixture.
Brighton & Hove Albion team news!
Brighton & Hove Albion, under the guidance of Fabian Hürzeler, have delivered a commendable season thus far and occupy 10th position with 28 points. They have balanced attacking intent with defensive responsibility, reflected in a goals-scored tally of 30 and 27 conceded. Brighton’s away record is less convincing, with only 2 wins on the road; nevertheless, they arrive with momentum following a recent home victory. In their previous five matches across competitions they have secured 1 win, 2 draws and suffered 2 defeats, demonstrating a degree of inconsistency but also the capacity to challenge stronger opponents.
H2H statistics
The head-to-head record across the last five meetings between Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion is evenly matched: 2 wins for Manchester City, 1 draw and 2 wins for Brighton. The most recent direct encounter resulted in a 2:1 home win for Brighton, signalling that despite City’s overall superiority, this fixture has produced competitive and unpredictable outcomes. Historical results suggest both sides have the capacity to influence the scoreline and that individual matches can diverge from league form.
Last results Manchester City
In their last five matches across all competitions Manchester City have recorded 3 wins and 2 draws, with no defeats. This sequence reflects consistency and resilience, indicating a team in good rhythm that is difficult to overcome. Their current form exemplifies sustained performance under Pep Guardiola and provides the foundation for favouritism in the upcoming Etihad clash.
Last results Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton’s last five matches across competitions have produced 1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats. This run points to mixed form: Brighton are capable of strong performances but have also experienced setbacks. Their recent victory offers confidence, yet the sequence as a whole underlines a squad still seeking greater consistency, especially in away fixtures.
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Conclusion
Manchester City enter this fixture as clear favourites based on home form, defensive record and recent unbeaten run. Brighton possess the quality to challenge and have proven they can score against elite opposition, but their away record and inconsistency suggest they are less likely to claim maximum points at the Etihad. The recommended outlook is a Manchester City victory, supplemented by both teams to scor & over 2.5 and a match total under 3.5 goals.
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