Brighton Hove & Albion vs Manchester City, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 25/04/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Brighton Hove & Albion vs Manchester City. Shape of the Teams.

Under de Zerbi’s guidance, Brighton was expected to improve, especially given that Pep Guardiola mentioned him as an influential figure. However, the results tell another story, with Brighton stuck in tenth place and winless in their last four games. 

Brighton has been hit hard by multiple injury issues. Key players like Kaoru Mitoma, James Milner, Billy Gilmour, Evan Ferguson, Tariq Lamptey, and Pervis Estupiñán are absent for the clash against Manchester City. 

Setting our sights on City next. 👊🔜 pic.twitter.com/CFnOmbK2R7

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) April 24, 2024

While de Zerbi’s rigidity in tactics has been critiqued, the injury crisis has certainly not helped matters. To add insult to injury, Barcelona’s Ansu Fati, loaned until the end of the season, started pretty well but has since fallen out of favour. This was highlighted by De Zerbi, who said that the Spanish youngster needs to work harder – a move that sparked controversy.

Contrastingly, Manchester City continues to steamroll through the Premier League. However, they do face some challenges with key figures like John Stones doubtful and Erling Haaland sidelined. Despite these setbacks, Manchester City is expected to find free space against a demoralized Brighton that lacks self-confidence. 

PEP 💬 (On injury update) Erling [Haaland] is not ready for tomorrow. The other two [Phil Foden and John Stones] are ready. pic.twitter.com/AMkFJ8wg2G

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 24, 2024

A deep block in Burnley prevented De Zerbi from clinching three points (1-1), and the heavy 3-0 defeat against Arsenal showed why Brighton is only placed 10th in the Premier League table.

Brighton Hove & Albion vs Manchester City Match Info

• Date and Kickoff Time: Thursday, April 25, 3:00 PM EDT
• Stadium: Falmer Stadium
• Location: Brighton, England
• Last match: Manchester City vs Brighton Hove & Albion: 2-1 (October 21, 2023, Premier League)

Brighton Hove & Albion vs Manchester City, Odds

• Pick: Manchester City to win
• Odds: -223 (Tonybet)

Despite Haaland’s absence, Manchester City is expected to dominate this game. Roberto de Zerbi’s Brighton struggles with ‘rest defence,’ a tactical approach that hinges on drawing the opposition high up the pitch to exploit the spaces left behind. This works on the condition that the opponent leaves spaces behind. 

Additionally, when the game turns into a more open, transition-based match, De Zerbi’s defence tends to be overwhelmed. Against Manchester City, that quickly becomes a problem – especially with the likes of Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden.

With Evan Ferguson absent, Welbeck will start up front for Brighton, though his current form doesn’t inspire confidence. Conversely, Manchester City will likely deploy Julian Álvarez in the attack, whose ball-striking ability could see him score. As Brighton’s players struggle out wide, Kyle Walker should also see an offensive role, exploiting the flanks to break down Brighton’s side.

Manuel Akanji will carry the ‘John Stones role,’ partnering with Rodri in midfield. And against Brighton’s double pivot, Rodri will likely take on a more advanced role, intensifying the pressure on Brighton’s midfield duo and exploiting the spaces they concede. 

This is a recurring tactic of Pep Guardiola’s team, in which opponents tend to concede sooner or later as a consequence of the suffocating pressure.

On the ball 🫡 pic.twitter.com/bMVxQphtu8

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 23, 2024

On Brighton’s side, the major source of hope will rely on Pascal Groß’s shoulders. He has been fantastic with passes that help the team progress. If anything, he has been the most consistent player in a season marred by injuries and inconsistent performances.

Brighton Hove & Albion vs Manchester City Betting Tip

• Pick: Manchester City to score first
• Odds: -257 (Tonybet)

Brighton often tends to struggle when it comes to scoring. If Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden start, it will be difficult for Brighton keep them from finding the back of the net.

Manchester City’s wide array of zonal threats is hard to counter, and it even becomes worse when they  score early on in the game. 

Brighton’s inability to maintain concentration when defending for extended periods is a weakness likely to be exploited by Pep Guardiola. De Zerbi’s team often leaves gaps behinds, and this is deadly against Manchester City. Once they lead, they can force Brighton up, which in turn makes it likelier for the Citizens to find successful counter-attacks.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.