The Amex Stadium hosts one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League weekend as Brighton & Hove Albion take on Manchester City on Saturday, 30 August 2025. With City eager to bounce back from a rare home defeat and Brighton still chasing their first league win of the season, this clash promises intensity, drama, and plenty of talking points.
Current Form
Brighton arrive with mixed fortunes. They impressed in the Carabao Cup, sweeping aside Oxford United 6–0 in midweek, but their league campaign has yet to ignite after a draw and defeat in their opening two fixtures. Fabian Hürzeler’s side will be hoping that attacking talents like Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh, and young forward Stefanos Tzimas can trouble City’s backline.
Manchester City, meanwhile, suffered a shock 2–0 defeat to Tottenham last weekend, exposing defensive frailties and uncertainty in goal. Pep Guardiola’s side are typically ruthless in responding to setbacks, and the champions will be determined to reassert their dominance on the South Coast. City’s away record offers encouragement: they are unbeaten in their last five league trips, keeping a clean sheet in all of them.
Team News & Injury Updates
Brighton
- Out: Julio Enciso, Adam Webster, and Solly March remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
- Doubtful: Georginio Rutter could return after missing the EFL Cup tie.
Manchester City
- Out: Mateo Kovacic (Achilles), Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, and Kalvin Phillips.
- Doubtful: Rayan Ait-Nouri (ankle) faces a late fitness test.
- Returning: Rodri is being carefully eased back following his ACL injury, while Guardiola has offered public backing to goalkeeper James Trafford after his costly error against Spurs.
Tactical Battle
Brighton will look to press high and unsettle City’s rhythm, much like they did in last season’s memorable 2–1 comeback victory at the Amex. Their youthful, energetic side has the tools to cause problems, but defensive lapses have already been costly this campaign.
City, on the other hand, will aim to control possession and exploit spaces left by Brighton’s adventurous full-backs. With Erling Haaland searching for his first league goal of the season, this could be the perfect platform for the Norwegian to open his account.
Key Players to Watch
- Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) – Always a threat in one-v-one situations and could be decisive on the counter.
- Rodri (Man City) – His controlled return to midfield will be crucial in restoring balance.
- James Trafford (Man City) – All eyes will be on the young goalkeeper after Guardiola’s show of faith.
Head-to-Head
City have dominated this fixture historically, but Brighton have shown they can compete at home, famously defeating Guardiola’s men in May 2021 and pushing them close in recent meetings.
Prediction
With both sides eager to respond, Brighton searching for their first win and City determined to recover from defeat. Goals are expected. City’s depth and experience should give them the edge, but Brighton’s intensity means it could be closer than many anticipate.
