Brighton are not afraid to commit men forward when they get the ball but they have nine men on the edge of their own area when City get hold of it. The visitors cannot clear their lines at the moment.

We've had a lively start, and Brighton's Anthony Knockaert has just become the first player into referee Lee Mason's book. He was just a little bit too enthusiastic with his challenge on Oleksandr Zinchenko (not to mention a little bit too late to get the ball).

The Seagulls are not just sitting back, mind. Anthony Knockaert sees his shot deflected wide for another corner - it was heading wide anyway by the way. When the ball comes in, Shane Duffy gets on the end of it but his header flies a few yards over.

It was Duffy who had a header from Brighton's first corner too (the one that looped into Ederson's arms), and he also blocked Sergio Aguero's overhead kick too. He's been a busy boy so far.

It is City who are on the attack now, though. Bernardo Silva lifts the ball into the area and Sergio Aguero tries a spectacular overhead kick... but it is blocked by a Brighton defender.

Image source, AFP

Manchester City will go top, for a couple of hours at least, with a win today... and there is a chance they could stay there depending on how Chelsea and Liverpool get on later.

Let's not write Brighton off just yet, though. They have just forced a corner, but Ederson ended up collecting the ball comfortably.

Brighton get us started at Etihad Stadium.

Image source, Getty Images

He doesn't start today, but Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola wants defender Vincent Kompany to sign a new contract.

The 32-year-old Belgium international, whose deal runs out at the end of the season, will have a testimonial next August after 10 years at the club - with profits going to a fund for the homeless.

His last Premier League start was over a month ago.

Asked if he would like Kompany to be a City player next season, Guardiola said: "Yes, that is my wish."

The centre-back, who has had injury problems throughout his career, started Tuesday's 3-0 win over Oxford United in the Carabao Cup third round.

"It's incredible. He played the Carabao Cup like it's the final of the Champions League. That means a lot to me," said Guardiola.

Alistair Mann
MOTD commentator

Image source, Reuters

A week away from their mouth-watering duel with Liverpool, Manchester City could strike a decisive psychological blow by ensuring they arrive at Anfield above Jurgen Klopp's side in the table.

If the champions beat Brighton, then only a win for the Reds at Stamford Bridge will prevent that occurrence - and with events in west London commencing once this match has concluded, there's even greater incentive for City to ensure there are no unexpected slip ups.

The Seagulls arrive at the Etihad with just two wins since early March but it's ironic that both of them have been against Manchester United, the only league opponents City have succumbed to in their last 21 league matches.

Image source, BBC Sport

Manchester City make two changes from the side that beat Cardiff 5-0 in their last Premier League game. Oleksandr Zinchenko replaces Fabian Delph at left-back and David Silva returns for Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.

Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Zinchenko; Fernandinho, D Silva, B Silva; Sterling, Sane, Aguero

Image source, BBC Sport

Brighton also make two changes from the side that lost to Tottenham last time out. Beram Kayal and Jurgen Locadia come in for Dale Stephens and Glenn Murray - Murray drops to the bench and Stephens has a hamstring injury.

Brighton XI: Ryan; Montoya, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; March, Bissouma, Propper, Kayal, Knockaert; Locadia

Brighton have only beaten one team, home or away, since 4 March... but that team is Manchester United.

The Seagulls have beaten them twice, at the end of last season and the start of this campaign, but then everyone beats United these days, don't they?

Following United's defeat at West Ham earlier today, City know they can go nine points clear of their neighbours with a win this afternoon. That's nine points after just seven games by the way.

Hello. Brighton have not won any of their past 16 away league games since November 2017, and managed only two victories on the road in total last season.

So it is safe to say that if the Seagulls secure three points at Etihad Stadium this afternoon, it would count as a surprise - a shock even. Seismic, in fact.

Especially when you consider Manchester City's home league record since the start of last season is P22 W19 D2 L1.