| Man City vs Brighton | |
| MATCH | EFL Cup |
| DATE | 29 - 10 - 2026 |
| TIME | 01.00 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Etihad Stadium |
Manchester City vs Brighton: Match Preview, Team News and Predicted Lineups
Manchester City’s impressive start to the Premier League campaign suffered a setback on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa at Villa Park. The defeat ended their seven-match winning streak in the league and highlighted defensive issues that have become increasingly difficult to ignore.
Enzo Maresca’s side had been hoping to maintain their perfect top-flight record and potentially break a long-standing club record for consecutive league victories at the beginning of a season. However, two costly defensive errors proved decisive, allowing Arsenal to draw level with City at the top of the Premier League table.
City have now conceded nine goals across their last four matches in all competitions without recording a clean sheet. This represents a significant change from their earlier defensive performances, when they conceded just eight goals across their opening nine matches of the campaign.
The Citizens must quickly rediscover their defensive stability as they prepare to welcome Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup. With another demanding Premier League fixture approaching, Maresca could use this encounter to rotate his squad while maintaining the club’s hopes of winning another domestic trophy.
Manchester City, nine-time winners of the competition, began their EFL Cup campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Norwich City in the third round. However, their recent record against Brighton offers little reassurance, as City have failed to win any of their last four meetings with the Seagulls, drawing twice and losing twice.
The hosts will therefore need to balance squad rotation with the determination to return to winning ways.
Brighton & Hove Albion Match Preview
Brighton arrive in Manchester after experiencing a frustrating spell in front of goal. Fabian Hurzeler’s side had previously demonstrated their attacking quality by scoring at least three goals in five of six matches across all competitions, including an impressive 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
However, consecutive matches without scoring have interrupted their momentum. Brighton were held to a goalless draw by FK Baumit Jablonec in the UEFA Conference League before suffering a 2-0 Premier League defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.
Despite enjoying 64% possession against Liverpool, the Seagulls struggled to turn their control of the ball into meaningful attacking opportunities, registering just one shot on target.
Nevertheless, Brighton remain among the Premier League’s strongest performers and occupy third place in the standings. Their attacking potential makes them a dangerous opponent, particularly against a Manchester City side that has recently struggled to keep clean sheets.
Brighton’s away record against City remains a major concern. They have never won away to the Citizens in 17 previous attempts, recording three draws and 14 defeats. However, their last two league visits produced encouraging results, with a 2-2 draw in March 2025 followed by a 1-1 stalemate in January 2026.
The Seagulls also have positive memories of their third-round EFL Cup campaign, having produced an impressive comeback to defeat Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford after trailing by two goals at half-time.
Although Brighton have historically struggled to progress deep into this competition, their victory over United demonstrated that they can compete with top opposition away from home. Hurzeler will hope his players can reproduce that determination against Manchester City.
Team News
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City are expected to make several changes to their starting lineup as Maresca manages his squad ahead of the club’s upcoming fixtures.
Antoine Semenyo remains unavailable because of a knee injury, while Matheus Nunes is a doubt after missing the defeat against Aston Villa with a minor muscular problem.
Erling Haaland, Elliot Anderson, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Josko Gvardiol and captain Ruben Dias are expected to be rested for the cup encounter, according to the team information provided ahead of the match.
Geronimo Rulli is set to start in goal, replacing Donnarumma. Phil Foden, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Mateo Kovacic, Allan and Ryan McAiddo are among the players who could benefit from the expected rotation.
With Haaland unavailable, teenage forward Floyd Samba could lead the attack. The 17-year-old made an impressive senior debut against Norwich City, scoring twice in City's 5-0 third-round victory.
His movement and finishing could provide an interesting attacking option, although facing Brighton should present a considerably different challenge.
Brighton Team News
Brighton also have several fitness concerns heading into the contest.
Ferdi Kadioglu and Chema Andres are being assessed after suffering hip problems during the defeat against Liverpool. Their availability could influence Hurzeler’s defensive and midfield selections.
Kaoru Mitoma, Femi Azeez and Pascal Struijk remain sidelined with thigh injuries, while Evan Ferguson is unavailable because of an ankle problem. Stefanos Tzimas is also expected to miss out with a knee injury.
There is more encouraging news regarding Mats Wieffer and Yankuba Minteh, who could return to action after recovering from longer-term injuries.
Hurzeler is likely to rotate his team for the EFL Cup fixture. Costinha and Jaouen Hadjam are among the candidates to feature at full-back, while Jack Hinshelwood, Malick Yalcouye and Matt O’Riley could be considered for midfield roles.
Charalampos Kostoulas has been one of Brighton’s most productive players this season, scoring five goals across all competitions. However, Georginio Rutter could be considered to lead the attack as Hurzeler looks for a response after the team's recent scoring difficulties.
Key Players to Watch
Manchester City: Phil Foden
With several first-team regulars potentially rested, Foden could take on greater responsibility in the attacking third. His creativity, movement and ability to find space between the lines could be crucial against Brighton’s pressing system.
Brighton: Georginio Rutter
Rutter could provide Brighton with a different attacking dimension if selected. His ability to carry the ball, link up with teammates and create opportunities could be particularly valuable against a City defence that has recently conceded too many goals.
Manchester City: Floyd Samba
The teenage forward could be one of the most intriguing players to watch if he receives another opportunity to start. Following his two-goal debut against Norwich, this match would provide a stronger test of his composure and finishing ability.
Match Prediction
Manchester City’s recent defensive struggles give Brighton a realistic opportunity to challenge for a place in the next round. The visitors have already shown that they can recover from difficult situations, while their possession-based approach could create problems for a rotated City lineup.
However, playing at home gives Manchester City an advantage, and the hosts possess considerable attacking depth even with several senior players rested. If Foden and the other attacking options perform well, City should have enough quality to create scoring opportunities.
Brighton are capable of finding the net, but their recent lack of attacking efficiency could prove costly against a City side eager to respond to its defeat at Aston Villa.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
City are tipped to progress, although Brighton could make the contest competitive and potentially expose the hosts’ defensive weaknesses.