With the international break now in the rearview, the Premier League returns this weekend. Manchester City will be looking to put a halt to their two-game skid when they face Brighton at the Etihad. Up next in Manchester City Opposition Watch is Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Seagulls currently sit 6th in the league table. Roberto De Zerbi’s side started the season in fine form but have tailed off recently. They drew 2-all with Liverpool at the Amex Stadium in their last game before the international break. Before that, they were beaten 6-1 by an in-form Aston Villa side at Villa Park.
De Zerbi’s side have been the Premier League’s entertainers so far this season. They’ve scored 21 goals so far this season from their 8 games. They do however tend to leak goals having conceded 16. They do play an attacking and attractive brand of football but it does leave them vulnerable at the back.
Up front, the Seagulls do have quality in their lineup. Evan Ferguson is their top scorer in the Premier League with 4 goals this season. Three of them came against Newcastle United when he scored a hat-trick in their 3-1 win over Eddie Howe’s side. Kaoru Mitoma and Pervis Estupinan have 3 assists each and both are vital to the Seagulls set up.
On the injury front, Brighton do have some key players out. Pervis Estupinan will miss the Seagulls trip to the Etihad. He’s out with a muscle injury he suffered against Aston Villa. Estupinan isn’t expected to return until November. Winger Julio Enciso is out until January with a knee injury. James Milner may return to the Brighton lineup after missing the Liverpool clash due to a muscle strain.
An exciting encounter may lie ahead for Manchester City against Brighton on Saturday with the style of football the Seagulls play.
