In the 21st round of the English Premier League, Manchester City, currently in second place, will host Brighton. This match at "Etihad" is more important for the "citizens" than just three points: the team wants to celebrate their first victory in the new year and regain both the fans' mood and the confidence in the championship race.
Pep Guardiola's side drew their first two matches of 2026 against Sunderland and Chelsea. As a result, the team missed out on four points, extending the gap with league leaders Arsenal to six. At a time when every round of the championship is turning into a "final," such losses can be very expensive.
However, this time City's problem isn't just with the opponent. Before the match, the team is experiencing a staff shortage, and Guardiola, as always, will have to find quick solutions to get out of the situation.
Brighton's instability is dangerous
Brighton seem to be struggling to maintain consistent play this season, with 7 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses so far. But don't let these numbers deceive anyone: Fabian Hürserler's team defeated two opponents from the top six. Interestingly, in the first round, Brighton defeated both their current rivals, Manchester City and Chelsea.
That is, Brighton has a "surprise." And this surprise usually turns out against large teams.
Losses in lineup: It's hard for City, not easy for Brighton either
The squad issue at Manchester City has truly become a sore spot.
First of all, Omar Marmoush and Ryan Ait-Nuri are still at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Egypt and Algeria, in which they are participating, have qualified for the playoffs, therefore both players will not play in the match at Etihad.
Additionally, Savino, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, and Oscar Bobb will be unable to play in the match against Brighton due to injuries - their return deadline is still uncertain.
Ruben Dias, injured in the last game, was sidelined for about six weeks due to a problem with his thigh muscles. It is said that Yoshko Guardiol broke his shin bone, and there are reports that the Croatian defender's season has ended.
At the same time, according to Guardiola, Nico Gonzalez is feeling well and can participate in this match. There is a possibility that he will play for Rodri from the first minutes or join from the bench.
Brighton also has losses: Adam Webster will miss the rest of the season due to a serious injury. Forwards Stefanos Simas and Yankuba Mintex will also be unable to help the team in this match.
Head-to-head matches: the last three matches are tough for City
In the first round, Brighton won 2-1 at home. In that match, former City players James Milner and Brian Gruda responded to Erling Haaland's goal.
Interestingly, Manchester City hasn't won against this opponent in their last three matches: two losses and one draw. "City's" last major victory over "Brighton" was recorded in April 2024 - Phil Foden scored a brace, Kevin De Bruyne and Julian Alvarez also scored, and the score was 4:0.
Looking at the overall history, the teams have met 35 times: City won 21 times, and Brighton won 8 times. In these games, the Manchester club scored 76 goals and conceded 37 goals.
Guardiola: "Of course we can!"
Before the match, Pep Guardiola didn't hide the situation: who wasn't there, who returned - he told everything openly. He noted that Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake have returned for central defense, as well as that Max Allen was recalled from loan from Watford, and thanked Watford for this.
The Spanish manager also touched upon Arsenal, noting that the leading team has been growing stronger in the last two or three seasons. But what matters is his general mood: "Well, can we manage?" Of course!"
The conclusion is this: "City" has many problems, but this club's nature is the same - it finds its way even in difficult times. Now, if that "path" leads to victory, the new year for the fans will officially begin.
When is the meeting?
The Manchester City vs. Brighton match kicks off at 00:30 Tashkent time on the night of January 7th to 8th.
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