Manchester City will look to maintain their flawless start to the 2024-25 season as they prepare to host Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The preigning Premier League champions have been dominant so far, and this clash will mark the first time the two sides have met since City’s narrow 1-0 win in February, courtesy of an Erling Haaland strike.
Match Preview
Pep Guardiola’s men entered the international break at the top of the Premier League table after a brilliant opening month. Following a 2-0 victory over Chelsea, City went on to demolish Ipswich Town 4-1 and secure a 3-1 win over West Ham United. Erling Haaland has been in scintillating form, racking up seven goals, including two consecutive hat-tricks, helping his side to maintain their 100% record.
City have now impressively won their last 12 Premier League games by a margin of two or more goals, setting a league record. A win against Brentford would not only extend their unbeaten run but would also see them open a season with four straight wins for the ninth time, cementing their dominance.
City’s home fortress, the Etihad, is another challenge Brentford must face. Guardiola’s side is unbeaten in their last 45 games across all competitions at home (W38 D7), scoring a staggering 133 goals and conceding just 32. However, Brentford were the last team to beat City at the Etihad in a 2-1 win in November 2022, a result spearheaded by former striker Ivan Toney, who has since departed to Saudi Arabia.
Brentford’s Challenge
Thomas Frank’s Brentford head into this fixture after a confident 3-1 win over Southampton before the international break, with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa both getting on the scoresheet. The Bees have enjoyed a decent start to the season, collecting six points and currently sitting in sixth place, one point ahead of their tally at this stage last year.
Despite a solid start, Brentford’s away form has been questionable, as they’ve lost more Premier League matches on the road (13) than any other team since the start of last season. They have also struggled when visiting top-four sides, losing their last five away matches against teams that finished in those positions last season. Adding to their woes, Brentford have only won twice in nine trips to face City across all competitions.
Team News
City will be without Oscar Bobb, who is sidelined with a leg fracture, and Nathan Ake, who sustained a serious muscle injury during international duty with the Netherlands. Josko Gvardiol is likely to continue at left-back, while John Stones will be pushing for a start after missing the last few games.
In midfield, Rodri and Mateo Kovacic could form the core, with the creative duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva supporting the attack. Phil Foden and Savinho are also in contention for starting roles, while Haaland will, of course, lead the line.
For Brentford, they’ll be missing Josh Dasilva, Igor Thiago, and Aaron Hickey, who are all nursing injuries. Rico Henry is a doubt after picking up a knock during the international break, while new signing Gustavo Nunes is ruled out with a back injury. However, Kristoffer Ajer has returned to fitness and could slot back into the defense.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City:
Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Savinho, De Bruyne, Doku; Haaland
Brentford:
Flekken; Collins, Pinnock, Ajer; Roerslev, Damsgaard, Norgaard, Janelt, Lewis-Potter; Mbeumo, Wissa
Prediction
While Brentford have enough firepower in Mbeumo and Wissa to trouble City’s defense, it’s hard to see Guardiola’s side being outscored, especially at home. City’s attacking prowess and exceptional home form make them overwhelming favorites to continue their winning streak.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Brentford
Brentford may find the back of the net, but City’s firepower should be too much for them to handle as they march on with another commanding performance.
