Part 2
There’s an identical scoreline prediction from former Arsenal and England striker Merson, now a pundit with Sky Sports.
He told the broadcaster: “I just can't see Man City not winning. Nothing shocks me in football after the Champions League this week. But when you look at this week, the two teams who came back are very good teams, with very good players.
“Even though it was a miracle, people will say miracles happen, Brighton have a chance.
“They're grinding results out as well. At the start of the season they were wiping the floor with teams, now they're not but they're keeping clean sheets, being hard to beat and nicking goals.
“There was a bit of panic with Man City on Monday - no disrespect but Vincent Kompany's shot should have gone 50 yards over! But they should be fine.
"Merson's prediction: 0-3"
Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski carries a fascinating line on how City keeper Ederson could create his own notable individual landmark if, as expected, he plays in Sunday’s league finale.
Writes Bajkowski: “The Brazilian has accrued 20 clean sheets this season as the last line of a defence that is the joint-meanest in the league, and another shut-out against Brighton will guarantee him at least one hand on the Golden Glove - Liverpool's Alisson also has 20 clean sheets.
“And while he won't get an award for it, Ederson can also do something no City player has done since Joe Hart in the 2012/13 season if he completes the 90 minutes at the Amex Stadium.
“Signed from Benfica in the summer of 2017, the 25-year-old started all but the last two league games of his debut campaign and made such an impression that a new seven-year contract was announced the morning after the final day.
“A key part of the club's plans for many years to come, Ederson has not missed a single minute of Premier League football this season with just 90 left to play.
“No other City player has manager the feat in the last six years, with Hart the last Blue to achieve it in Roberto Mancini's final season.”
Finally, Brighton striker Murray has looked ahead to Sunday’s clash and told the Brighton and Hove Independent it is the type of high-profile encounter, professionals dream of playing in.
The Brighton and Hove Independent report: “Pep Guardiola’s side have won 13 successive Premier League matches and top-scorer Murray admits playing in games like this is why people become professional footballers.
“Murray said: “It’s going to be another fantastic fixture to be involved in. They’re going for the Premier League and we’ll be trying to keep the integrity of the league and give a good account of ourselves.
“It’s really nice to be involved in games that matter. This is why you want to be a professional to play against the best.
“This week we possibly play against the best in the Premier League.”
“Murray supported Manchester United growing up and looking at the title race, he said: “It doesn’t really matter who wins. It’s just about us and about giving a good account of ourselves.
“It’s just nice to be involved in games like that at the end of the league.”
Friday Gossip
Page 1 of 1
posted on 10/5/19
Part 2
There’s an identical scoreline prediction from former Arsenal and England striker Merson, now a pundit with Sky Sports.
He told the broadcaster: “I just can't see Man City not winning. Nothing shocks me in football after the Champions League this week. But when you look at this week, the two teams who came back are very good teams, with very good players.
“Even though it was a miracle, people will say miracles happen, Brighton have a chance.
“They're grinding results out as well. At the start of the season they were wiping the floor with teams, now they're not but they're keeping clean sheets, being hard to beat and nicking goals.
“There was a bit of panic with Man City on Monday - no disrespect but Vincent Kompany's shot should have gone 50 yards over! But they should be fine.
"Merson's prediction: 0-3"
Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski carries a fascinating line on how City keeper Ederson could create his own notable individual landmark if, as expected, he plays in Sunday’s league finale.
Writes Bajkowski: “The Brazilian has accrued 20 clean sheets this season as the last line of a defence that is the joint-meanest in the league, and another shut-out against Brighton will guarantee him at least one hand on the Golden Glove - Liverpool's Alisson also has 20 clean sheets.
“And while he won't get an award for it, Ederson can also do something no City player has done since Joe Hart in the 2012/13 season if he completes the 90 minutes at the Amex Stadium.
“Signed from Benfica in the summer of 2017, the 25-year-old started all but the last two league games of his debut campaign and made such an impression that a new seven-year contract was announced the morning after the final day.
“A key part of the club's plans for many years to come, Ederson has not missed a single minute of Premier League football this season with just 90 left to play.
“No other City player has manager the feat in the last six years, with Hart the last Blue to achieve it in Roberto Mancini's final season.”
Finally, Brighton striker Murray has looked ahead to Sunday’s clash and told the Brighton and Hove Independent it is the type of high-profile encounter, professionals dream of playing in.
The Brighton and Hove Independent report: “Pep Guardiola’s side have won 13 successive Premier League matches and top-scorer Murray admits playing in games like this is why people become professional footballers.
“Murray said: “It’s going to be another fantastic fixture to be involved in. They’re going for the Premier League and we’ll be trying to keep the integrity of the league and give a good account of ourselves.
“It’s really nice to be involved in games that matter. This is why you want to be a professional to play against the best.
“This week we possibly play against the best in the Premier League.”
“Murray supported Manchester United growing up and looking at the title race, he said: “It doesn’t really matter who wins. It’s just about us and about giving a good account of ourselves.
“It’s just nice to be involved in games like that at the end of the league.”
Page 1 of 1