Man City vs Brighton: Preview, predictions and lineups
Manchester City are back in WSL action on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Brighton to the Joie Stadium.
Gareth Taylor’s side began their league campaign with a 2-2 draw away at Arsenal last time out, while the Seagulls cruised to a 4-0 win over Everton at home. City have also been in Champions League action midweek as they booked their place in the group stage with a 3-0 win against Paris FC.
City finished second in the WSL standings last term, level on points with champions Chelsea. After an outstanding league campaign, they missed out on the title on goal difference.
Brighton, on the other hand, are working under a new manager this season in Dario Vidosic. They finished ninth in the league standings last term while working with an interim head coach.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Sunday’s clash.
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Manchester City |
Brighton |
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Man City 3-0 Paris FC – 26/09/24 |
Brighton 4-0 Everton – 21/09/24 |
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Arsenal 2-2 Man City – 22/09/24 |
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Paris FC 0-5 Man City – 18/09/24 |
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Country |
TV Channel/livestream |
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United Kingdom |
BBC 2, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport |
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USA |
ESPN+, ESPN App |
Long term absentees Sandy MacIver and Risa Shimizu remain unavailable for Sunday’s clash at the Joie Stadium. Gareth Taylor confirmed earlier this week, ahead of his side’s Champions League qualifier against Paris FC, that midfielder Jill Roord will likely be back in the squad for the Brighton game after recovering from an ACL injury.
Left back Leila Ouahabi limped off in the first half against Arsenal last time out in the WSL, and was not involved midweek in their European tie. The 31-year-old missed training this week and was assessed with a groin issue.
Man City predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-3-3): Yamashita; Casparij, Kennedy, Greenwood, Aleixandri; Hasegawa, Park, Miedema; Shaw, Fujino, Hemp
Both of Brighton’s late summer transfers Nikita Parris and Michelle Agyemang were involved in the win over Everton last time out. They came on as second half substitutes, and could play a more prominent role against City this weekend.
Another summer signing, Fran Kirby, has also settled in well following her move from Chelsea at the end of her contract. The 31-year-old was on the scoresheet in their 4-0 victory against the Toffees.
Vidosic should have a fit squad available to him for the match against City on Sunday.
Brighton predicted lineup vs Man City (3-4-3): Baggaley; Thorisdottir, Bergsvand, Carabali; Kirby, Losada, Olislagers, Pattinson; Seike, Bremer, Vilamala
Brighton had an outstanding start to the WSL season with a comfortable win over Everton, but Manchester City represent an entirely different calibre of opponent. They will need to be at their absolute best to get something out of Taylor’s side.
While the Cityzens could only manage a 2-2 draw against Arsenal in their opening game, they have looked clinical in both of their Champions League qualifiers against Paris FC. They will be hopeful of securing a comfortable win on Sunday.
It won’t be entirely straightforward for City, but they should come through this game with all three points.