City go into Wednesday’s home match four points behind
Premier League leaders Liverpool but with two games in hand and boosted by the
return of England forward Raheem Sterling.
Their 13-game unbeaten run has come with minimal input from
record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, who will be missing again as he self-isolates
as a close contact of somebody who has tested positive for coronavirus.
Eric Garcia is also self-isolating due to a positive test
while defenders Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake are injured.
“The momentum (can) arrive and disappear in one instant,”
Guardiola said on Tuesday.
“We cannot forget the teams we beat recently, especially in
the Premier League and the League Cup against two strong teams away (Chelsea
and Manchester United).
“But the momentum can disappear tomorrow so we have to do it
again.”
City have three home league games over the next week as they
attempt to make further progress following a slow start to the season.
But Guardiola said he was not entertaining thoughts of
dethroning champions Liverpool.
“All I am concerned about is Brighton,” he said. “The rest,
not even second in my thoughts.”
Brighton are fourth from bottom but Guardiola said he was a
big fan of Graham Potter’s team.
“They are a joy to watch and analyse,” he said. “When you
see them, you are concerned about the quality. I said to the players we will
have to be at a high standard to compete against them.”