The global bookmaker 1xBet talks about the Premier League 9th round match, where Manchester City hosts Brighton at the Etihad on October 21.
Transfer policy
There is much money in English football, but some clubs are not keen to pay more when forming a squad. Manchester City buys the best players and has to finance a lot, but Brighton relies on young talent that needs to be developed. Over the summer, players were acquired for 101 million euros - an impressive amount, still less than the club received for Moises Caicedo’s transfer to Chelsea. It is enough to recall the victorious match with Manchester United to understand the Seagulls' transfer campaign's success. Then Brighton started with players who, in total, cost the club about 20 million euros and left no chance for Erik ten Hag’s expensive wards.
Turning point for Manchester City
The Citizens initially led the standings, but several setbacks worsened the team’s position. If the elimination from the EFL Cup by Newcastle could be taken painlessly (this trophy interests only those who have not won anything for decades) and even found a positive, such as a more manageable schedule, then losses to Wolverhampton and Arsenal in the Premier League became a big problem. Manchester City is now third, and the game with the Gunners brought an unpleasant anti-record - the Citizens could only strike four shots at the opponent's goal - the worst performance during the Guardiola era.
Now, the current champion needs to adequately respond to fate's blows. Rodri's return after disqualification will be an important boost to a good result, but it won't be enough if Haaland disappears on the pitch, as he did against Arsenal.
Is Brighton's decline over?
Roberto De Zerbi's team started the tournament confidently, but with the upcoming European Cup matches, they slowed down: three losses and two draws in the last six games. The Europa League is not a priority for Brighton. Still, one cannot ignore the shocking defeat to Aston Villa (1-6) and the elimination from the EFL Cup by Chelsea, who in that match scored their only goal in September.
However, they should not sprinkle ashes on their heads. In the last round, Brighton gave battle to Liverpool (2-2) and showed that they are still a formidable force in England while young newcomers are not afraid of big names. Kaoru Mitoma remains the team leader, but Simon Adingra shone in the game against the Reds - he scored a goal, provoked sharp moments on the flank, and possibly nightmares for Andrew Robertson.
What to expect
The struggle between Manchester City and Brighton guarantees attacking combination football at high speeds, so this match is not to be missed!
Pep Guardiola's team needs a victory to keep up with its competitors in the fight for the trophy. Brighton is going to prove that last season's sixth-place finish was no fluke. The defending champion's home stadium is the perfect setting for this feat.
Despite all the problems, both teams are in the top 6 and plan to move up, so the battle promises to be serious!
