Pep Guardiola has sought to restore calm at Manchester City as they begin a 10-game assault on the Premier League top four against fellow challengers Brighton.

City have won the title in each of the past four seasons, but this time they are facing a battle just to qualify for the Champions League.

And their hopes were hit by a damaging set of results last time out, with City losing at third-placed Nottingham Forest while Chelsea, Newcastle United, Brighton and Aston Villa all won.

With 10 games to play, City are fifth in what will likely be an additional Champions League place, although sixth-placed Newcastle only trail the champions on goal difference.

There is pressure on Guardiola's men then, but their European fate remains in their own hands at this stage, with the manager knowing there is time to earn Champions League football.

"Listen, I want to qualify for the Champions League – of course we want to qualify," Guardiola said after the Forest defeat.

"But the other teams who did not qualify last season have come back and they are there, and how many years have Manchester City been in the Champions League? Ten years? More?

"Before that, we never played in the Champions League, so of course, we are used to doing exceptional things, and of course we have to try to do it.

"But at the end, of course, we wake up in the morning and try to do a good season next season, we have to continue, but at the end we have to try. 

"Sometimes in the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and other competitions, the circumstances and small details and many things make the difference.

"But in the Premier League, after 38 games, if we don't qualify it is because we were not good enough.

"But we still have 10 games, the season is still in our hands, and we are going to try."

Brighton are just a point behind City in seventh, having won their past four league matches to close the gap as they aim to qualify for the Champions League for the very first time.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester City – Phil Foden

This has been a difficult season for Foden, last year's Premier League Player of the Season. It had looked as though he was belatedly finding form at the start of 2025, scoring six goals across four league games, but he has yet to net in five since.

The visit of Brighton could provide the England international with a timely boost then. Foden has scored eight league goals against Brighton, more than he has against any other side.

Brighton – Joao Pedro

After netting in his past three Premier League appearances, Joao Pedro is aiming to become the first Brighton player to net in four in a row.

That is perhaps not a surprise given Brighton's limited history in the competition, but Joao Pedro, who has been included in the latest Brazil squad, would also join Richarlison as just the second Brazilian to achieve that feat for any club in the Premier League.

MATCH PREDICTION: MANCHESTER CITY WIN

Brighton are enjoying their joint-longest top-flight winning run and looking to complete a first ever league double over City, yet this fixture has not previously proven fruitful for the Seagulls.

City have not lost any of their 14 home league games against Brighton, their most against any side without losing. Of those matches, 12 have been City wins, including the past 10 in a row.

The Etihad Stadium is not quite the fortress it has been previously, with City losing three home league games this season, as many as in the three previous seasons combined. But they have only lost back-to-back home league games once under Guardiola and will be keen to bounce back from defeat to Liverpool in their previous Etihad match.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Manchester City – 55.0%

Draw – 21.7%

Brighton – 23.4%