English football fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between Manchester City and Brighton at the Etihad Stadium in the fourth round of the English League Cup, on the evening of Wednesday 28 October 2026. This match is an opportunity for both teams to continue their progress in the competition, with differing circumstances between a team fighting on all fronts and another suffering from multiple absences. The match will be broadcast on beIN SPORTS 4 in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the official channel schedule.
Match time and broadcast channels for Manchester City vs Brighton
The match will be played at the Etihad Stadium at 20:30 Morocco and Algeria time, and 22:30 Saudi Arabia and Egypt time. The clash will be broadcast on beIN SPORTS 4 in the Middle East and North Africa, while in France and Europe it will be shown on beIN SPORTS MAX 6, and in Germany and Croatia on Arena Sport 8. The match starts in a few hours, which increases the anticipation among fans.
Key absences
Brighton are dealing with a long list of absentees ahead of this match, with seven players missing for various reasons. These absences could affect the coach’s options, especially in the attacking line.
- Manchester City: Antoine Semenyo — injured (leg injury).
- Brighton: Evan Ferguson — injured (ankle injury).
- Brighton: Facundo Buonanotte — injured (muscle injury).
- Brighton: Kaoru Mitoma — injured (hamstring injury).
- Brighton: Mats Wieffer — injured (knee injury).
- Brighton: Stefanos Tzimas — injured (ACL injury).
- Brighton: Yankuba Minteh — injured (leg injury).
- Brighton: Zadok Yohanna — injured (contusion injury).
The absence of Ferguson and Mitoma reduces Brighton’s attacking options, while Semenyo is out of Manchester City’s midfield.
Manchester City predicted lineup
Manchester City are likely to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, based on their last official starting lineup against Aston Villa on 24 October 2026. This lineup may change due to rotation, but it remains the closest prediction.
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma.
- Defence: Khusanov, Marc Guéhi, Rúben Dias (captain), Joško Gvardiol.
- Midfield: Elliot Anderson, Fernández, Elye Wahi, Rayan Cherki, Doku.
- Attack: Erling Haaland.
Brighton predicted lineup
Brighton are also expected to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, based on their last starting lineup against Liverpool on 25 October 2026. The lineup will see forced changes due to absences, with the possibility of bringing in players from the bench.
- Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen.
- Defence: Kadıoğlu, Luka Vušković, Dunk (captain), Boscagli, Maxim De Cuyper.
- Midfield: Gross, Chima Andres, Gómez, Ayari.
- Attack: Charalampos Kostoulas.
These lineups are predicted based on each team’s last official match and may change due to injuries or rotation. No official changes have been announced so far.
InfoSports stats
- Manchester City have won 3 of their last 5 matches, the most recent being a 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
- Brighton have achieved 3 wins in their last 5 matches, but lost 0-2 to Liverpool in the previous round.
- In their last two meetings: a 1-1 draw on 7 January 2026 at Manchester City’s stadium, and a 2-1 Brighton win on 31 August 2025 at their own ground.
The stats show a close level, but Manchester City are playing at home, which gives them a theoretical advantage. On the other hand, Brighton are suffering from significant absences that may limit their ability to match the hosts. Share your opinion with us: who will advance to the next round? Follow the official platforms to know the official lineups before kick-off, and beware of fake links impersonating the official broadcast.
