Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has warned his players to prepare for another difficult encounter against Brighton when the sides meet again in the Premier League on Saturday, following their dramatic League Cup meeting at the Etihad Stadium.
City advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition on Wednesday after recovering twice to draw 2-2 before winning the penalty shootout, but Maresca expects Brighton to pose an equally dangerous threat in their league rematch.
The two teams made extensive changes for the cup encounter, with both managers expected to restore stronger starting line-ups for Saturday’s fixture. Manchester City will be seeking to strengthen their position near the top of the Premier League table, while Brighton will aim to close the gap on the leading teams.
Maresca praised Brighton’s recent form and attacking approach, warning that his side would need to be prepared for an aggressive opponent capable of creating numerous scoring opportunities.
“They are in a brilliant moment,” Maresca said. “They are winning games, they are scoring goals. They are scoring many goals every game, three, four, five goals a game.”
The Italian manager added that Brighton had consistently adopted an attacking approach against opponents, including Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Liverpool.
He expects Fabian Hürzeler’s team to maintain that approach when they return to the Etihad Stadium.
“We knew that this was a tough game and they’re going to be exactly the same on Saturday,” Maresca said.
Wednesday’s cup tie provided a clear indication of the challenge awaiting City. Brighton took the lead in the 30th minute when Malick Yalcouyé redirected Georginio Rutter’s effort past goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli from close range.
City responded 20 minutes later through Mateo Kovačić, who produced an impressive finish from approximately 25 yards, curling the ball into the far corner to restore parity.
Brighton regained the advantage just two minutes after the restart. Rutter collected a cut-back from Jaouen Hadjam and finished to put the visitors ahead for the second time.
City subsequently increased the pressure in search of another equaliser, which arrived in the 72nd minute. Rayan Cherki delivered a free-kick that took a deflection off defender Vitor Reis before finding the net.
The match finished 2-2, forcing the teams into a penalty shootout to determine who would progress to the quarter-finals.
Kovačić saw his penalty saved by Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele, leaving City under pressure. However, Rulli emerged as the decisive figure for the hosts, saving attempts from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to secure City’s progression.
Despite advancing, City’s performance demonstrated the difficulties Brighton could create through their pressing, movement and attacking intent.
The upcoming league fixture carries additional significance because both clubs are competing near the top of the table. City are level on points with defending champions Arsenal, while Brighton sit third, five points behind the leading pair.
The match therefore offers Brighton an opportunity to reduce the deficit, while City will be keen to avoid dropping points in a closely contested title race.
Brighton manager Hürzeler also acknowledged the unusual demands of playing two consecutive away matches against the same opponent within a few days. His side remained in north-west England between the fixtures rather than travelling back to the south coast.
“Having two away games and not sleeping in your own bed, you can’t see it as an advantage, but we will try to make the best of it,” Hürzeler said.
The Brighton manager insisted that his players would not use the schedule as an excuse, adding that they would return for Saturday’s match with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Maresca is continuing to build his Manchester City team following his appointment as successor to Pep Guardiola, who left the club at the end of last season.
City’s campaign has also been overshadowed by the ongoing proceedings surrounding the Premier League’s financial regulations. The club has appealed a verdict concerning more than 100 alleged breaches and denies wrongdoing. No punishment has yet been announced.
Maresca, however, remains focused on results and the development of his squad.
He stressed that City would approach their League Cup quarter-final against Bradford City with the same ambition, while maintaining their immediate focus on the Premier League.
For now, Saturday’s rematch presents another opportunity for City to demonstrate their resilience, but Brighton have already shown that they possess the attacking quality to make life uncomfortable for the hosts.
After Wednesday’s closely contested encounter, Maresca knows his team cannot afford to underestimate the Seagulls again.
