After losing ground in the title race with back-to-back draws, Manchester City look to return to winning ways against Brighton on Wednesday (19:30 GMT). BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before the match.
Haaland blip coincides with City setbacks
Enzo Fernandez’s injury-time equaliser for Chelsea on Sunday left Manchester City six points adrift of leaders Arsenal, prompting Pep Guardiola to demand more ruthless finishing from his side.
“Being clinical is all part of the stats,” the City boss said, adding: “You can create chances – our expected goals is higher than everyone – but you have to do it.”
His side were slightly unfortunate to drop points at Sunderland on New Year’s Day, when their expected goals total was 2.25 – their highest in a Premier League game in which they failed to score since March 2022.
But it was a different story at the weekend, particularly after the break, with their xG of 1.02 the lowest they have recorded in a top-flight match at Etihad Stadium all season.
The key to putting that right is providing better service to Erling Haaland, who has scored in each of his past four Premier League appearances against Brighton.
The Norwegian already has 38 goals for club and country in 2025-26 but has drawn a blank in his three outings since Christmas. The 25-year-old has never gone four consecutive top-flight starts without scoring in his career.
Milner awaits milestone appearance
Brighton ended a six-match winless run with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday, lifting the Seagulls back into the top half of the table.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler praised his side for controlling the game, with Albion completing 546 passes – their highest total in a Premier League game this season – and restricting the Clarets to just five shots.
A very different challenge awaits in midweek. Brighton have never won away to Manchester City in the league, losing 12 of 15 games. They did, however, draw 2-2 on their most recent visit to the Etihad last season and also claimed a 2-1 win when the sides met at Amex Stadium in August.
James Milner scored from the penalty spot in that victory, becoming – aged 39 – the second-oldest scorer in Premier League history. Another milestone may await against his former club. Milner celebrated his birthday on Sunday and could become only the fifth outfield player to appear in the competition after turning 40.
