Guardiola Defends Trafford Amidst Transfer Rumors, Previews Brighton Showdown

Pep Guardiola has voiced his support for goalkeeper James Trafford, dismissing recent criticism and transfer speculation as Manchester City prepares to face Brighton. Trafford's performance in City's recent 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur drew scrutiny, particularly after a costly giveaway that led to Joao Palhinha's goal. Despite the setback, Guardiola remains confident in the young goalkeeper's abilities.

"What happened does not belong just to James," Guardiola stated. "To James what happened with the second goal [against Spurs], he's a strong man and huge personality." He acknowledged Trafford's concern but emphasized the club's commitment to supporting their players. "Of course he was concerned, and I wouldn’t want it any other way, but we are here to help in those moments. Always, we have the arms around their shoulders – the way we take care of them. It is impossible to be better."

GK union pic.twitter.com/NIcIhmx5jY

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 30, 2025

The goalkeeping situation at Manchester City has been a talking point throughout the summer. Rumors have swirled around Ederson potentially moving to Galatasaray, while Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with a transfer to the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola addressed these speculations, acknowledging that player movement is an inherent aspect of the sport. "We have a big squad and many new signings, and we have people who will leave and in that way have to accept it," he said.

Meanwhile, Brighton is still looking for their first Premier League victory of the season. They drew 1-1 with Fulham and then lost 2-0 to Everton. However, in the EFL Cup, they beat Oxford United 6-0. Stefanos Tzimas, a 19-year-old, scored twice and had one assist. James Milner, a former Manchester City midfielder, is mentoring the youngster at Brighton to help him grow.

“There’s a great dressing room – Dunky [Lewis Dunk] is the captain, Steeley has been here a long time now, as well as Danny Welbeck and Adam Webster, people like that,” said the 39-year-old. “They create a great environment and help these boys hit the ground running, feel comfortable and help them mature as players. You’re teaching them how to be a professional footballer, how to live as a professional and the right things to do. They’re going to make mistakes on and off the field. You’ve got to have patience with them and try to be as open as much as you can. It’s not only the players in the dressing room, but the coaching staff who do a great job of teaching the youngsters the ‘Brighton way’.”

Players to Watch

Brighton – Mats Wieffer

Wieffer has been played out of position at right-back so far this season by Fabian Hurzeler, but the Dutchman has been effective in his new role. He has made 12 tackles in the Premier League this season for Brighton, the most of any player so far this campaign. He also averages 5.3 tackles per 90 minutes for the Seagulls, comfortably the most of any player to play 500+ minutes in the competition for them.

Manchester City – Erling Haaland

Haaland opened his 2025-26 season with a brace against Wolves, but failed to get into the game against Spurs last time out. This match will be Haaland’s 100th Premier League appearance; the City striker has already scored more goals than any other player in his first 100 games (87).

Match Prediction: Manchester City Win

City will be confident heading into this match, having won 19 of 30 league matches against Brighton (63.3%). Among the 46 teams they’ve faced 25+ times, the only side they have a higher win ratio against is Swansea City (23 wins in 34 games, 67.6%). Since losing 5-1 at Arsenal in February, City have conceded just one goal in seven away Premier League matches, keeping five clean sheets in a row. Only four sides have kept six in a row, most recently Arsenal in 2023-24 between February and April. However, Guardiola is winless in both of his Premier League meetings with Brighton boss Hurzeler. In Guardiola’s entire top-flight managerial league career, the only manager he’s faced three times without beating is Ronald Koeman (drawn two, lost one). Only three teams have produced a higher expected goals (xG) in their opening two Premier League games this season than Brighton (3.91), although the Seagulls have just one goal so far, the biggest negative differential of any side (-2.91). Brighton are winless in their opening two league games this season (drawn one, lost one). In only one of the last 15 league seasons have they failed to win their opening three games, doing so in 2017-18 in their first Premier League campaign (drawn one, lost two).

Opta Win Probability

Brighton – 27.5%

Draw – 24.6%

Manchester City – 47.9%