Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Manchester City Preview
Where: Amex Stadium – Brighton, England
When: Saturday, August 12, 2017, 12:30 PM ET
Line: Brighton +790 vs. Manchester City -385, tie +390; total 3.0 – view all 2017 EPL lines
TV Broadcast: NBC
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Betting on Brighton & Hove Albion (+790)
Brighton & Hove Albion are in the Premier League for the first time after a very successful campaign which saw them finish just one point behind champions Newcastle in the Championship last season. Under the guidance of former Premier League manager Chris Hughton, the Seagulls tied Newcastle for the best defensive record in the division with just 40 goals conceded.
However, that defense will be put to the ultimate test as they face the awesome attacking force of Manchester City in their Premier League debut. Aside from veteran Liam Rosenior, none of Brighton’s defenders have any Premier League experience. 36-year-old right-back Bruno is a particular liability if he starts on the flank.
Last year’s top scorer Glenn Murray (23 goals) is still a doubt for the opener, but even if he does play, the Seagulls don’t figure to do much attacking against City. They’ll likely adopt a more cautious approach in order to avoid getting humiliated on the Premier League debut in front of their home fans.
Betting on Manchester City (-385)
Pep Guardiola’s first season in the Premier League was a disappointment. He finished outside the top two for the first time in his managerial career as City finished third, 15 points behind champions Chelsea. However, big things are expected of his City side this season, as evidenced by the fact that they are the big +170 favorites to win the league.
Pep spent a lot of money in the summer to strengthen the weaknesses in City’s team at full-back and goalie. Those new additions should be able to improve a City defense that looked suspect at times last season. The presence of captain Vincent Kompany at the heart of that defense should also help. The Belgian was limited to just 11 league appearances last season due to an assortment of injuries.
And on the other end, City may very well have the most ferocious attack in the entire league. New signing Bernardo Silva could make his debut alongside the outstanding quartet of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane, and Gabriel Jesus. Their attack is so loaded that there might not be a place for all-world striker and last year’s top scorer, Sergio Aguero.
Jesus scored an impressive seven goals in just 10 league appearances for City last season before suffering a season-ending broken foot. The young Brazilian’s versatility makes him a better fit as the focal point of Guardiola’s system than Aguero, and he should be able to consistently terrorize the Brighton defense.
Writer’s Prediction
City (-385) give Brighton a rude welcome to the Premier League as they run out 3-0 winners.
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