Michael Owen ominously predicts what many Brighton fans fear ahead of Manchester City

City will however be without their record goalscorer Sergio Aguero as his spell in quarantine continues.

Aguero has tested negative for Covid-19 but must remain in self-isolation having been identified as a close contact of someone who has the virus.

The 32-year-old, who has not started a game since October, had been expected to feature last weekend.

The visit of Brighton is the first of three home games for City in the space of a week. Victories could pull City firmly in the title picture but Guardiola is not looking beyond Wednesday’s game.

City are unbeaten in their last 13 matches in all competitions and have won their last six as they build momentum, but Guardiola is wary of the threat of Brighton.

Defenders Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte are out injured but forward Raheem Sterling is fit and Ederson could return in goal following his own isolation.

Brighton will be without suspended midfielder Yves Bissouma, who sits out a one-game ban after receiving his fifth league booking of the season in the recent home draw against Wolves.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh is hoping to recover in time after being forced out of Sunday’s FA Cup penalty shoot-out win at Newport with a knock.

Jahanbakhsh will be monitored, while South Africa forward Percy Tau could feature again after making his debut off the bench against Newport.

Adam Lallana (illness), Danny Welbeck (knee), Aaron Connolly and Tariq Lamptey (both hamstring) remain sidelined, while Jose Izquierdo and Florin Andone are both working their way back from long-term injuries.

City have won their last six matches and Brighton who are 17th in the league standings are in for a tough evening at the Etihad.

Brighton have lost all six of their league encounters with Pep Guardiola’s side since winning promotion back to the top flight in 2017, beaten 4-0 and 5-0 last season.

They also lost 1-0 to City at Wembley in their FA Cup semi-final in 2019.

"Manchester City are back challenging on all fronts," wrote Owen in his Bet Victor predictions blog.

"They’ve ominously gained ground in the Premier League and are now favourites for the title. It’s some turnaround after such a sluggish start to their season.

"Brighton have the potential to cause most sides problems, however, they have proven to be toothless in front of goal all season and I fear that could cost them dearly in the end.

"To me, this looks like a straightforward win for City as they ramp up their pursuit of another Premier League title."

Michael Owen prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Brighton