Manchester City welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off at 19:30 UK time. A place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals is at stake, and the visitors arrive with an encouraging recent record against City, having avoided defeat in their last four meetings. With both clubs demonstrating considerable attacking potential this season, another entertaining contest could be on the cards.
Enzo Maresca's side reached the fourth round with a commanding 5-0 victory over Norwich City, demonstrating the depth available within their squad. Seventeen-year-old Floyd Samba scored twice on his senior debut, while Rayan Cherki, Allan and Ryan McAidoo also found the net.
That performance offered Maresca encouragement ahead of a demanding schedule, particularly with another meeting against Brighton in the Premier League approaching at the weekend. Several younger players could retain their places, although the manager has enough established attacking options to field a strong side despite making changes.
City's league performances have been impressive in attacking areas, but their defensive displays have occasionally lacked the same authority. That balance could be important against Brighton, whose willingness to attack makes them dangerous opponents even when they are under pressure.
The Seagulls produced one of the standout performances of the previous round, recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford. Charalampos Kostoulas, Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper scored as Fabian Hurzeler's side demonstrated their ability to respond when trailing.
Brighton's attacking approach has been evident throughout the campaign, although maintaining defensive organisation has proved more difficult. Their commitment to moving players forward can leave opportunities for opponents, particularly when possession changes hands in midfield.
Both managers also have selection decisions to make. Antoine Semenyo is City's only reported injury absentee, while Erling Haaland could be rested after recovering from a swollen foot and playing the full match against Aston Villa.
Brighton have more extensive concerns, with Ferdi Kadioglu and Chema Andres facing fitness assessments. Mats Wieffer and Yankuba Minteh are also doubtful, while Kaoru Mitoma, Femi Azeez, Pascal Struijk, Evan Ferguson and Stefanos Tzimas remain sidelined.
Those absences may influence Hurzeler's approach, although Brighton have already demonstrated that they possess attacking options capable of troubling Premier League opposition.
How the bookies view it
Manchester City are favourites to progress, with the goals markets suggesting bookmakers anticipate an entertaining encounter.
Over 2.5 goals is available at 1/2, carrying an implied probability of 66.7%, while both teams to score is priced at 4/7, representing 63.6%.
Head to head: Brighton unbeaten in last four
Brighton have enjoyed considerable success against Manchester City in recent seasons, remaining unbeaten across the last four encounters. The most recent meeting finished 1-1 at the Etihad in January 2026, following Brighton's 2-1 victory at the Amex Stadium in August 2025.
The clubs also drew 2-2 in Manchester in March 2025, while Brighton secured another 2-1 home success in November 2024. City's last victory against the Seagulls came in April 2024, when they won 4-0 away from home.
Despite that recent sequence, City remain unbeaten in their last six home meetings with Brighton, recording four victories and two draws.
Player to watch: Phil Foden to cause Brighton issues
Phil Foden could have a significant influence on Wednesday's contest, particularly if Maresca rotates his attacking options. The England international has scored once in six Premier League appearances this season, accumulating 2.27 xG across 341 minutes.
His ten shots include two on target, suggesting there is scope for improvement in his finishing. Foden has also recorded 1.59 xA and created 11 chances, demonstrating his ability to supply opportunities for teammates while remaining a goalscoring threat himself.
His movement between midfield and attack could prove particularly important against Brighton's defensive structure. Whether City start with Haaland or a younger centre-forward, Foden should provide creativity and an additional goal threat from deeper positions.
Predicted lineups
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Rulli; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, O'Reilly; Bouaddi, Kovacic; Allan, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Brighton & Hove Albion (4-2-3-1): Steele; Costinha, Vuskovic, Dunk, Hadjam; Gross, Yalcouye; Gomez, Hinshelwood, Osman; Rutter.
Anything else catch the eye?
The strongest argument for the combined goals selection comes from the contrast between City's attacking performances at home and Brighton's defensive record on the road.
City average 2.44 xG across their four home Premier League matches, demonstrating their ability to generate high-quality chances. Three of those fixtures have produced over 2.5 goals, suggesting their attacking output has frequently translated into high-scoring encounters.
Brighton's away figures strengthen that argument. Hurzeler's side average 1.60 xG on their travels, while allowing opponents 1.95 xGA per match. That combination indicates they possess sufficient attacking quality to contribute while remaining vulnerable defensively.
Two of Brighton's three away league fixtures have exceeded 2.5 goals, providing further encouragement for a contest featuring opportunities at both ends. City's defensive statistics also deserve attention. Their average home xGA stands at 1.37, suggesting opponents have regularly been able to create chances despite the hosts' attacking dominance.
Brighton's third-round performance provides additional evidence of their ability to threaten stronger opposition. They generated 2.14 xG at Old Trafford, demonstrating that their attacking success was supported by the quality of opportunities created.
The recent head-to-head record offers another compelling indicator. Both teams have scored in eight of the last ten meetings, while seven of those encounters have produced over 2.5 goals. Brighton have also scored in each of their last four matches against City.
Those trends are particularly relevant because the selection does not depend entirely on the hosts producing a dominant attacking performance. Brighton have demonstrated the ability to create opportunities themselves, while their defensive record suggests City should have chances throughout the contest.
The expected tactical approaches could also encourage an open game. City will look to establish control through possession and movement in advanced areas, while Brighton's willingness to attack quickly should create opportunities when the hosts commit players forward.
Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion Betting Tips & Predictions
Further Reading
- Liverpool vs Chelsea Prediction and Betting Tips – 28/10/2026
- Sunderland vs Brentford Prediction and Betting Tips – 28/10/2026
- Bournemouth vs Aston Villa Prediction and Betting Tips – 28/10/2026
- Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal Prediction and Betting Tips – 27/10/2026
- Bradford City vs Peterborough Utd Prediction and Betting Tips – 20/10/2026
GambleAware