Manchester City to face Brighton & Hove Albion in opening home clash

Manchester City Women are looking to take on Brighton & Hove Albion to kick off their 2025/26 campaign on home soil in the Barclays Women’s Super League, at the Joie Stadium.  

The last time these teams faced Manchester City took the three points in a 2-1 win. Kerstin Caspariji opened the scoring, assisted by teammate Khadija Bunny Shaw, followed by a Vivianne Miedema volley. Brighton reacted time and time again last season, elevating their tempo and attacking more frequently on the counter. However, they could not do enough to find two goals ahead of the final whistle.

This summer, the Seagulls made several changes to their squad: this included bringing in new players, such as Carla Camacho, the Spanish youngster, as well as Rosa Kafaji on loan from UEFA Women’s Champions League winners Arsenal. The return of a familiar face and the UEFA Women’s EURO Young Player of the Tournament, Michelle Agyemang extended her loan deal with Brighton from Arsenal. Another signing who could prove key to their game plan this season.

After losing in the Champions League qualifiers last season, Manchester City look to return to positive form. Andree Jeglertz joined the Blues with high ambitions and belief. With a goal of finishing in the top, the club brought in well-known German international, Sydney Lohman, Harvard attendee, Jade Rose, former loan player, Laura Weinroither, and EURO winner, Grace Clinton, alongside other talented footballers.

Both teams are seeking for their first three points of this campaign. City lost their opener against the WSL Champions, Chelsea, 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. Whereas Brighton faced a goalless draw with Aston Villa.

Manchester City were unable to control the pace and unpredictability of Chelsea’s squad, Ellie Carpenter proving tough to challenge on her WSL debut. However, it is now up to them to bounce back with the support of their fans as they are finally back at home at the joie stadium.

The Seagulls showed great promise, despite being goalless in their opener. Having seen their loan star, Michelle Agyemang come out with the Player of the Match award woth her high intensity passing and shots, it is safe to say this is an example of the potential within Dario Vidošić.