BBC Sport pundit states his prediction for Brighton v Man City
Mark Lawrenson looks ahead to Man City's clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on the final day of the season
Mark Lawrenson is backing Manchester City to win the Premier League title by beating Brighton and Hove Albion away from home on Sunday.
The Citizens are currently one point clear at the top of the Premier League table as they prepare for their final game, knowing that a victory would secure their champion status for another season.
Liverpool FC are second in the table and will be hoping to capitalise on any slip-ups from Pep Guardiola’s men in the final round of games.
The stage is set for a thrilling final weekend of games in the Premier League as Liverpool FC look to try and catch Manchester City in the race for the title at the final hour.
Brighton managed to earn a point at Arsenal in their most recent outing in the Premier League – but former Liverpool FC star Lawrenson is tipping Manchester City to claim all three points and defend their title with a 3-0 victory at the Amex on Sunday afternoon.
Writing in his column for BBC Sport, Lawrenson said: “Brighton are safe and they have started scoring goals again.
“With one in each of their past two games, they are hardly prolific – but that is a big improvement after they went seven games without managing any at all.
“The Seagulls’ strength is definitely in their defence and, although their fans would probably prefer to see them have a little bit of a go here, I can see them focusing on making things difficult for City rather than going out to attack them.
“Chris Hughton’s side only lost to City by a single goal in last month’s FA Cup semi-final, but that was because their gameplan was to stop them, rather than try to hurt them. He will probably try to keep things tight again this time too.
“There could still be some nervous moments for Pep Guardiola’s side, the longer the score stays at 0-0 or even 1-0, and if there are reports coming in of Liverpool getting goals at Anfield, but they are used to dealing with that kind of pressure.
“I am expecting them to win comfortably but, even if it comes to the crunch in the final 10 minutes and City still need a goal, I think they will get it.
“However they manage it, a win would mean City are champions and end an absolutely brilliant title race.
“The top two teams are miles ahead of the rest and, as things stand, I don’t see that changing next season.”
Manchester City have already won the League Cup this season and they are now eying their fourth major trophy under Guardiola.
