Brighton secured a return to the top flight of English football last season after 25 years of absence, and they’re starting it with one of the most difficult fixtures of the season. It’s fair to say that a lot has changed in football since their last top flight appearance in 1983, and Manchester City are one of those things.

The visitors have spent almost £200 million on new players this summer, with almost £150 million of that going on full backs. Two of those are expected to be in action on Sunday as Kyle Walker and Danilo line up, whilst £57 million left back Benjamin Mendy is carrying a slight injury.

Soccer Football – West Ham United vs Manchester City – Pre Season Friendly – Reykjavik, Iceland – August 4, 2017 Manchester City’s Leroy Sane in action with West Ham United’s Edimilson Fernandes REUTERS/Michaela Rehle – RTS1AE5R

Brighton may not carry the spending power of Manchester City, but they have made some potentially useful signings. Midfielder Davy Propper is the big name among them, whilst former Valencia man Matthew Ryan is a highly rated goalkeeper.

Despite their new signings Brighton are widely expected to be facing the drop come May, and Saturday will give us a very early insight into how they will deal against the powerhouses of the Premier League after so long in the lower divisions.

Manchester City are hot favourites for the title after bringing in their big money full backs and Monaco’s Bernardo Silva. Add that to a full season of Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero and you have a formidable outfit to say the least, and it’s shown in pre-season. They have beaten Real Madrid, Spurs, and West Ham comfortably in their summer friendlies, losing only to Manchester United.

We’re expecting a high scoring game from the attack minded Manchester City here. Away from home they struggled defensively last season, and as such, seven of their last nine away days in the Premier League have seen at least three goals. They have won five of these though and should have enough to beat Brighton, so backing a Manchester City win and Over 2.5 Goals at 10/11 looks a good choice alongside a 4-1 correct score predictions at 20/1.
Backing Over 4.5 goals at 4/1 looks great value too considering the visitors’ attacking ability, and we’re also looking at Leroy Sane to Score anytime at 6/4 for our goalscorer predictions. The young winger scored all five of his goals last season from inside the box, and with Brighton conceding 34 of their 38 Championship goals from inside the area last season, Sane will be a very dangerous opponent.

From: Internet