English Premier League - Match Day 37 Preview

The EPL table has almost been completed, with only one relegation spot yet to be determined, the main focus has turned to what top six clubs will capture those elusive Champions League spots.

Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea have suddenly found themselves in a battle to capture the last two spots in the table, and the final two match days will certainly provide more clarity on the complete European picture.

10319 Manchester City vs. 10320 Brighton & Hove Albion

Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

5-9-2018 - 3:00 pm ET 

The Citizens will look to get back to their high scoring ways, after producing a lethargic draw with Huddersfield Town this past weekend. While Brighton travel from the south-coast, looking to build off their latest win against Manchester United since 1982.

Brighton have been on cloud nine since last Friday evening. The Seagulls put their dreadful run of form behind them against Manchester's other team, now full of confidence the visitors look to shock another big six side in less than a weeks time. 

Chris Hughton has lead side to guaranteed safety in the top flight league, after earning promotion from the English Championship only a year before.

Hughton can now focus on the 2018-2019 campaign, although his side have two matches remaining in the season, keeping his team competitive in a merciless Premier League should be his main objective starting now.

The visitors are scheduled to keep their same starting eleven for this midweek clash, preferring a 4-4-1-1 formation for much of the time on the pitch, Brighton will look to parlay their success over from last week to the Etihad on Wednesday night.

Glenn Murray has been the primary number nine in the Seagulls plan of attack. The veteran danger man has revitalized his career while on the South Coast, using his above average finishing abilities to his favor. Murray has cashed in on 12 Domestic Goals, as he remains the guests main threat at the top of their line.

Pascal Groß has stepped out on the Premier League stage, the German Midfielder uses a powerful hold up game to his advantage, while placing key passes on-line to help those in front of goal flourish.

 Groß enters the Match Day having posted 7 Goals and 8 Assists during his breakout season, and will once again play a important role as the creator in Brighton's offensive attack.

The Seagulls are most effective in Set Piece and Free Kick situations, using their height in the box to dominate in the air.
Hove Albion will also look to play with width, while looking to use effective long balls over the top of opposing defenses.  

Brighton have been challenged to find the back of the net during their travels, scoring an average of 0.5 Goals per match, in their last 17 Premier League away fixtures.

The Seagulls have been vulnerable on the back-end away from the Amex, conceding and average of 1.3 Goals per match, in their last 18 Premier League away fixtures.

Manchester City will start the round looking to pass Chelsea's the all time points and goals scored in a season, after being held to a scoreless draw against a scrappy Huddersfield side, the Citizens should be focused to turn their fortunes around in front of their passionate supporters.

 Man City welcome the Seagulls having tallied 94 points to date, with a overall record of 30-4-2, this Manchester side have shown to be one of the more dominating forces in English history.

Pep Guardiola has brought his Midas touch to England, after successful stints in both Germany and Spain, the Spaniard continues to infuse success into his Man City side, with his ultimate goal of capturing a Champions League title for the Sky-Blues.

Guardiola is a true perfectionist at his craft, known for his free flowing style of offense, the Citizens head man is just as big a proponent for a well organized Defensive structure, which in most cases leads to Man City's vicious attacking  philosophies.

Pep is also a firm believer in multiple passes as he elects to break down his opponents methodically, preferring a 4-3-3 formation with a orchestrator who generally runs the show based off the specific game plan for that particular match.

Kevin De Bruyne has often carried that mantle over the past two seasons. De Bruyne has continued to evolve as one of the more well rounded players in the world, his intelligence while on the pitch allows for his superior play-making abilities to come to the fore-front, using an array of passes and skillful dribbling to slice opposing defenses apart.

The Belgium International has become Guardiolas right hand man on the field, with 12 Goals and a jaw dropping 19 Assists totaled in all competitions, the Man City Midfielder looks to continue his growth with the club, while racking up a laundry list of personal accomplishments. 

Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane look set to lead the line for the Citizens, this trio should be licking their chops at the opportunity to face this Brighton back-line, as their should be plenty of chances to get their shots off on goal.

The Manchester City danger men have racked up 57 combined Goals in all competitions, as we should see those numbers grow by the end of this midweek fixture. 

Manchester City have been a dominant force while at the Etihad, scoring an average of 3.2 Goals per match, in their last 18 Premier League home fixtures.

The Man City defense has improved drastically from last season with the help of Ederson between the sticks, conceding and average of 0.7 Goals per match in their last 18 Premier League home fixtures.

Prediction:

Manchester City should come out early looking to dominate this match, after being held to a rare scoreless output their last time out, you would expect an inspired effort to get back to their lethal ways.

The Citizens will dominate the majority of possession against this South coast club, creating a plethora of shots on goal from both individual and creative team play, while also looking to get out and run in quick counter attacking strikes which will often leave the Seagulls feeling two steps behind.

Brighton must try and muddy the match up, looking to slow down the pace, and hope they can grab a goal or two from s Set Piece or Direct Free Kick, as the visitors are highly effective in the air, and must be respected during those type of scenarios. 

Manchester City still should prove to be too much fro their coastal visitors, I expect a 3 plus goals performance, as they break all the prior records held by Chelsea in front of their loyal supporters. 

Tips:

Over  1.5  -110 / 1.91 - Total 1st Half Goals 

Manchester City  -2.25 -120 / 1.83 - Full Time Spread

Manchester City  - Team Total  Over  2.5 -140  / 1.71 - Goals 

*EPL Bonus Tips*

10313 Tottenham vs. 10314 Newcastle

5-9-2018 - 3:00 pm ET

Tottenham -0.75  -125 / 1.8 - 1st Half Spread

Tottenham  -2  -105 / 1.95  -  Full Time Spread

Tottenham - Team Total  Over 2.5  -115 / 1.87 - Goals

Best Of Luck To All