07/01/2026: Manchester City vs Brighton prediction

sofascore.com

Date: 07/01/2026
Event: Manchester City vs Brighton
Kick-off: 20:30
Bet: BACK 1 (1.50)

In the first midweek round of the Premier League, Manchester City host Brighton, an opponent against whom the Citizens boast a clearly favorable historical record. In their history, City have never lost at home in league matches against Brighton: the record shows 12 wins and 3 draws, with an average of 2.6 goals per game at the Etihad Stadium.

After failing to score against Chelsea in the last round, Erling Haaland is currently experiencing his longest goal drought of the season (three consecutive matches). However, this statistic can also be seen in a positive light: the Norwegian has historically been lethal against Brighton, scoring 6 goals in 6 appearances, making him a natural candidate to return to the scoresheet immediately.

With City six points behind league leaders Arsenal and coming off two consecutive draws against Sunderland and Chelsea, Guardiola’s side cannot afford any further slip-ups. Playing in front of their home crowd against a historically favorable opponent, the Citizens are expected to deliver a strong response and reaffirm their role as key contenders in the title race.