Tightrope between success and despair has never been finer for City Manchester Correspondent | James Robson Remember Vincent Kompany’s rocket? It was only Monday. But in a week that produced back-to-back nights of the most incredible unscripted drama, it has been reduced to little more than a footnote. Kompany’s 30-yard screamer pushed Manchester City to the brink of a second successive Premier League title. Victory on Sunday at Brighton will see Pep Guardiola’s side record a combined total of 198 points over two years of unparalleled consistency that may have forever altered what it means to be champions of England. Photo: EPA Conversely, the unlikeliest of slip-ups on the south coast and that same team could be consigned to also-rans in the annals of history – the closest eye-witnesses to Liverpool’s long-awaited reclaiming of the throne and just the latest generation of City players to fail to successfully defend their crown. It sounds harsh – but those are the stakes. And even if Guardiola was somewhat sniffy in his assessment of how his team will be remembered if they just fall short, it wasn’t without foundation as he prepares for the finale of the title race. “It’s normal,” said the City manager. “I’m not going to change my opinion of what we have done. But of course, to get more credit, you have to win. “We saw in the Champions League, when you are out, everybody destroyed the teams, destroyed managers, destroyed clubs. “We know in the life in which we live, I know we will be judged. We have to win.” Whichever team ultimately misses out, they can consider themselves desperately unfortunate, having already recorded more points than any other runner-up in history. But while Liverpool can console themselves with the thought of a Champions League final on the horizon, as well as the enormous strides they’ve made to close the gap on City, Guardiola will find crumbs of comfort harder to come by. This is not a squad that was assembled to finish second. This was a season when domestic dominance was expected to be transferred to Europe – not usurped on the home front. It is galling enough for those of a City persuasion to see two domestic rivals in Liverpool and Tottenham compete to be crowned champions of Europe – let alone see Jurgen Klopp wrest the Premier League title away from the Etihad. This was supposed to be City’s era. A time when Sheikh Mansour’s investment would truly see them rule English football after the missed opportunities under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini. And while there could be no sense of standards slipping if their title is not retained on Sunday, in black and white, that’s precisely how it would appear. Which is why, in terms of City’s legacy and the historical significance of this team, it is vital they get over the line. Just as it was critical last year’s champions seized the moniker of ‘centurions’ in order to fully endorse the sheer brilliance of their title triumph, a successful defence would underline this period of dominance and create a platform for a potential dynasty. Arsene Wenger had two double wins at Arsenal and the ‘Invincibles,’ but never retained the title. Should Guardiola manage it in a year when both European finals will be contested exclusively by English clubs, it would only add to the weight of the achievement – and that’s before even considering the possibility of a domestic treble if they can beat Watford in the FA Cup Final next weekend. From potentially slipping 10 points behind Liverpool at the turn of the year, to being within 90 minutes of lifting the title, City are on the cusp of greatness. “First of all it’s a dream to be here,” added Guardiola. “I didn’t expect it when we were seven points behind against this Liverpool to be in the position we are now. “So that’s why it’s a dream come true. We’ve shown many things, but now is not the moment to say how well we’ve done - we have the chance to be champions if we win our game and that’s what we have to do. “If we make it back to back titles it would be nice, but nothing is going to change too much. The fact we have done incredibly well all season in all competitions and now have two games - two finals - for two titles.”<doc-sep>Brighton v Manchester City Sunday 15:00, Sky Sports Main Event Match Odds: Brighton 20.019/1, Man City 1.182/11, The Draw 9.417/2. 37 games down, one to go. Liverpool will push Manchester City all the way, and are odds-on to take advantage if City slip up here. But ultimately, a victory for City away at Brighton will be good enough for them to retain the Premier League for the first time. Can Brighton do Liverpool a favour? Brighton's form in recent months has been somewhat troubling, although they were surprisingly impressive last weekend in a 1-1 draw at Arsenal, perhaps playing without pressure after Crystal Palace's win over Cardiff meant that Chris Hughton's side were mathematically safe. Brighton won't seek to outplay Manchester City, but they are capable of sitting deep and frustrating them. Hughton is unlikely to make many changes from the side that could easily have defeated Arsenal. Mat Ryan made some good saves in that game, and Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy - Brighton's second top-scorer behind Glenn Murray - defended the box well. Expect a few blocks from that pairing here. Right-back Bruno will be playing his final game for the club and might be thankful he won't be facing players as quick as Leroy Sane any more, while Bernardo offers speed down the left flank. Knockaert may return In midfield, Dale Stephens will sit in front of the defence, with Yves Bissouma springing forward sporadically but probably spending more time coping with Bernardo Silva, while Pascal Gross will be tucked into an inside-right position in the midfield trio, and might find David Silva positioning himself in pockets of space behind him. Out wide, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Alireza Jahanbakhsh drop out after a quiet display at the Emirates, where he also conceded an early penalty. Anthony Knockaert would come in on the right flank, while Solly March would continue on the left. Upfront, Murray has led the line well this season but Florin Andone might be the better option against a City side likely to dominate possession. Back to the default system for City Pep Guardiola has tended to stick to City's default 4-3-3 system in the second half of the campaign with relatively few tactical surprises. Vincent Kompany will probably continue alongside Aymeric Laporte at the back, with Ederson in goal. Kyle Walker will push forward from right-back but Oleksandr Zinchenko may drift infield to become an extra central midfielder and guard against Brighton's counter-attacks. Fernandinho has a small chance of being involved, and Ilkay Gundogan is likely to play his holding role, ahead of the two Silves. Phil Foden played reasonably well against Leicester but might find himself omitted here as Guardiola returns to his more attack-minded 4-3-3, with Sane and Raheem Sterling either side of Sergio Aguero, a front three offering an overwhelming level of speed that Brighton's backline might struggle to cope with. I'm struggling to make a case for Brighton getting anything out of this game and doing Liverpool a favour - they might frustrate City with their last-ditch defending and blocking, but I simply can't see them holding out against one of the Premier League's all-time great attacking forces. I think this could be a game for Sterling, whose ability to pop up at the far post to convert low crosses has been a key part of City's gameplan this season. I'll back the FWA Footballer of the Year to open the scoring at 4.67/2.<doc-sep>Vincent Kompany’s unforgettable winner against Leicester had the feeling of a title-winning goal, the 70th minute strike releasing a flood of relief and celebration from the Etihad Stadium. The danger for Guardiola’s side now though, is that the race is not over just yet, with three points needed against Brighton to ensure the Premier League trophy stays put. After wracking up 100 points last season, City are on course to collect 98 points this campaign, which over the two seasons equates to an intimidating 2.6 points per game. A domestic treble remains on the cards for City. Benjy Nurick Sunday 3pm Sky Sports Premier League Venue Amex Stadium Last season Brighton 0 Manchester City 2 Referee Michael Oliver This season G29 Y83 R7 3.1 cards/game Odds H 18-1 A 2-11 D 8-1 BRIGHTON Subs from Button, Balogun, Bong, Burn, Locadia, Jahanbakhsh, Gyökeres, Molumby, Andone, Montoya, Pröpper, Kayal Doubtful Pröpper (hamstring) Injured Izquierdo (knee, unknown) Suspended None Discipline Y60 R4 Form LLDLDD Leading scorer Murray 12 MANCHESTER CITY Subs from Muric, Grimshaw, Sané, Mahrez, Danilo, Sandler, Otamendi, Jesus, Delph, Stones, De Bruyne, F Nmecha Doubtful De Bruyne (match fitness) Injured Bravo (achilles, Aug), Fernandinho (knee, Aug), Mendy (knee, unknown) Suspended None Discipline Y44 R1 Form WWWWWW Leading scorer Agüero 20<doc-sep>
Manchester City face Brighton with the hope of securing back-to-back Premier League titles. Pep Guardiola’s side have the title in their hands after an incomparable battle for the Premier League with Liverpool , which has seen both sides break records almost every match. City know a win will guarantee them a place in history, with Guardiola’s men hoping to become the first team to retain the title since neighbours Manchester United in 2009. After Vincent Kompany’s thunderbolt secured a vital three points against Leicester on Monday, the City captain will look to hold the trophy aloft on Sunday. Here is all the key information you need ahead of the game… (Image: PETER POWELL/EPA-EFE/REX) When is the match? The match will take place on Sunday May 12. Kick-off will be at 3pm. Where is the match being played? Brighton and Hove Albion will host Manchester City on Sunday. The Amex Stadium will host the crucial match, with a capacity of just over 30,000 supporters. Is the match on TV? The match will be televised in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event with coverage beginning at 2:30pm. Coverage of both the Manchester City and Liverpool game will begin at 2pm on Sky Sports Premier League in the UK. The coverage will be hosted by Dave Jones, with Gary Neville and Martin Tyler on commentary. Can you live stream the game? If you are a Sky Sports customer and are based in the UK, you can stream the game on their website, or through their Sky Go app. Alternatively, you can follow all of the action on the Mirror Football live blog. (Image: Man City/Getty) Brighton team news Chris Hughton will yet again be without the injured pair of Davy Propper and Jose Izquierdo. Without the threat of relegation, Brighton may play more relaxed and opt to start Anthony Knockaert after the Frenchman came off the bench at Arsenal and helped his side grab a point. Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk will continue their solid partnership at the back, while Glenn Murray is expected to be the man that Liverpool fans rely on the damage City’s chances of winning the league. Manchester City team news Pep Guardiola will be without Kevin de Bruyne after the Belgian was ruled out for the season in April. Fernandinho looks set to miss out, which could prove to be a crucial blow due to the Brazilian’s importance in front of the defence. Benjamin Mendy is unlikely to be fit as well, which has been the case for the majority of the 24-year-old’s time in Manchester so far. Guardiola will be able to call upon the rest of his side though, with no suspensions or injuries elsewhere. That means that City will likely start with Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane or Riyad Mahrez as a front three, with Ilkay Gundogan playing alongside the two Silvas - Bernardo and David. Vincent Kompany’s ability as a leader on the pitch, and after his screamer on Monday, will mean he will likely start alongside Aymeric Laporte at centre half, with Kyle Walker and Oleksandr Zinchenko as full-backs. Guardiola is always mischievous in his selections so don’t be surprised to see a shock inclusion such as Phil Foden in the team. Betting odds Brighton: 14/1 Draw: 7/1 Manchester City: 1/7 Odds courtesy of Paddy Power