Enzo Maresca has warned his Manchester City team to expect another difficult day at the office when they face Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

City and Brighton lock horns once again just three days after their fourth-round clash in the EFL Cup, with the defending champions going through following a penalty shoot-out. 

The Citizens had to come from behind twice to force spot-kicks on Wednesday, with Mateo Kovacic and Vitor Reis scoring the equalisers to send the tie the distance. 

Geronimo Rulli came up trumps for Maresca's side, saving Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk's efforts from 12 yards out, with Bradford City their opponents in the quarter-finals. 

But City now turn their attention to the Premier League, and they will be hoping to return to winning ways after suffering their first league defeat of the season to Aston Villa.

They come up against a Brighton side who lost 2-0 to Liverpool last time out, but this promises to be an entertaining clash, with just five points separating the two teams. 

Brighton have scored more goals than any other side in the Premier League this season (23), while City (16.7) and the Seagulls (16.2) are the two highest ranked teams for expected goals (xG) so far in the top-flight in 2026-27.

"What I can say is what I see from there. They are a bit different in terms of style," Maresca told reporters of the challenges Brighton may pose his team. 

"They are much more man-to-man oriented. The reason it is so difficult to play against them, it is always on the front foot. They score three, four, five goals.

"That is why you need the right balance. We knew it was a difficult test for us. Again, this is what he said [City were lucky].

"Every manager can say something different. We try to prepare for the game knowing what they will do.

"It's going to be a tough game for anyone who comes against them. No matter if they play in a different competition or in the Premier League."

Final preparations #AsahiSuperDry https://t.co/xGrRdgCsCC

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 30, 2026

Brighton have never won in 16 away league games against City (D4 L12), though have avoided defeat in their last two.

It's the most Brighton have played away without winning against an opponent and the most Man City have faced an opponent at home without losing.

The Citizens won 12 of their first 14 Premier League matches against Brighton (D1 L1) but they are without a victory in four since then (D2 L2).

Fabian Hurzeler's side have already produced some impressive results so far this season, most notably beating Premier League champions Arsenal 3-0 last month. 

Brighton have been tipped to challenge for a spot in the top four after their electric start, with Maresca saying: "It's early for all the clubs to make predictions. They are very good.

"It's a team that, in any game, they score many goals and creates many chances. It's going to be tough. Where they will be at the end of the season, I don't know."