Manchester City are preparing for an important period in their 2026/27 campaign after suffering their first Premier League defeat of the season against Aston Villa.

City lost 2-1 at Villa Park on October 24, bringing their unbeaten league run to an end. The result was a setback for manager Enzo Maresca, whose team had started the campaign strongly and established themselves among the leading contenders for the Premier League title.

Attention now turns to Brighton, with Manchester City scheduled to face the Seagulls twice within four days. The first meeting will take place in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, October 28, before the teams meet again in the Premier League on Saturday.

City will be without several key players for the cup match, including Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Elliot Anderson. Maresca has confirmed that the players have been given time to rest rather than risk fatigue during a busy fixture schedule.

Haaland's absence could create an opportunity for young forward Floyd Samba to impress after his memorable performance against Norwich City earlier in the competition.

Manchester City will be eager to respond positively to their defeat and regain momentum. However, Brighton have shown they can trouble strong opponents, meaning City must deliver a disciplined performance to secure victory in their upcoming meetings. Read more on: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4398290/brighton-stun-man-city-with-comeback-victory&ved=2ahUKEwj-3b3m59qXAxVv-QIHHfLkI8wQFnoECCEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3ot6deN6s9yJ6UNARL5reQ