Found this gem in the Brighton forum...
"I don't think Man City will want to over extend themselves in the first game against lowly opposition, so once they have a one goal advantage I think they will park the bus and save themselves for the next game."
Followed by this bizarre comment:
"1 -1
Citeh always seem to struggle in first game of season."
They all seem very confident they'll score against us though, which makes sense. I mean if West Ham and Tottenham can't do it then they must be able to, right? I feel sorry for fans like those- all they have to go on is the media bullshit about City having a terrible defense and Pep being arrogant. Would love to smash them 4-0 now.
Always been like that, fans want the team to go for the jugular when the teams are on top 1-0. but the manager is cautious. It would not be unknown for a team too sacrifice possession to catch the opposition on the break forcing them to play atypically (e.g. Atletico). Odds on if City go 1-0 up, Brighton will not be able get hold of the ball. Not parking the bus but playing a little deeper and encouraging Brighton to overextend themselves and picking them off.
Knockaert is injured and I would be surprised if he starts the game. it is not Chris Hughton's policy to start a player that is not fully fit. He was on crutches last week
Brighton will play a deep 4-4-1-1. Propper may well make his debut and fill the missing link in the defensive formation. The other missing link is a striker. The first choice is the diminutive Sam Baldock but he is injured. Glenn Murray hasn't got the legs and Tomer Hemed is a bit ordinary. 1-1.
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