Manchester City will aim to keep their flawless start to the 2024-25 season intact when they host Brentford at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday afternoon.
The last time these two teams faced off was back in February, where City narrowly secured a 1-0 win, thanks to a second-half strike by Erling Haaland. Heading into the international break, City sits comfortably at the top of the Premier League after defeating Chelsea, Ipswich Town, and West Ham in their first three matches of the season.
City opened the campaign with a 2-0 win over Chelsea, followed by impressive 4-1 and 3-1 victories against Ipswich and West Ham. Haaland has been unstoppable, netting seven goals across these games, including consecutive hat-tricks, helping City wrap up August with a perfect record.
Pep Guardiola’s side has now won their last 12 Premier League matches by at least two goals, setting a new league record. On Saturday, they’ll be looking to win their first four games of a new top-flight season for the ninth time, which would extend their own record.
City will feel confident going into the weekend, with an incredible 45-game unbeaten run at the Etihad across all competitions (38 wins, 7 draws). During this streak, they’ve scored 133 goals while conceding just 32.
However, the last team to beat them at home in regulation time was Brentford, who pulled off a 2-1 shock victory in November 2022, with Ivan Toney scoring both goals.
Toney, now at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, recently watched Brentford’s 3-1 win over Southampton before the international break. In that game, Bryan Mbeumo shone with a brace, and Yoane Wissa added another goal to give Thomas Frank's side their third win in four matches across all competitions this season.
Both Mbeumo and Wissa were also on target in Brentford’s opening-day win against Crystal Palace, and the Bees now sit sixth in the Premier League table, with six points – one more than they had at this point last season.
Only Liverpool have managed to beat Brentford so far this season, and now the Bees face a tough trip to Manchester City. They’ll be hoping to improve their away record, but it’s been a struggle for them, as they’ve lost more away games (13) than any other Premier League team since the start of last season.
Brentford have also lost their last five away games against teams that finished in the top four last season, and historically, they’ve only won two of their nine visits to Manchester City in all competitions. It will be a tall order for the Bees to pull off another upset this weekend.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Manchester City are still managing without forward Oscar Bobb, who is sidelined with a leg fracture. Additionally, defender Nathan Ake faces time out after being stretchered off during international duty with the Netherlands due to what seemed like a serious muscle injury.
With Ake unavailable, Josko Gvardiol is likely to continue on the left side of the defense, while John Stones could push for a starting spot, possibly replacing either Manuel Akanji or Ruben Dias at center-back.
Rico Lewis, who's had a strong start to the season, could stay at right-back. Alternatively, he might shift to left-back, as he did for England, giving Kyle Walker a chance to make his first appearance of the season on the right.
Rodri, Phil Foden, and Savinho have all trained this week and are in the running for starting roles. Rodri might return to midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, or Bernardo Silva. Foden and Savinho, meanwhile, will battle it out with Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, and Jack Grealish for attacking positions.
On Brentford's side, Igor Thiago, Josh Dasilva (both knee injuries), and Aaron Hickey (hamstring) remain sidelined. Rico Henry, who’s been out for over a year due to a knee injury, picked up a minor knock during the international break, preventing his return in a friendly against QPR.
Coach Thomas Frank has also confirmed that new signing Gustavo Nunes is out for several weeks with a minor back fracture, while Mathias Jensen will miss a couple of weeks due to a calf issue.
However, there's good news for Brentford as Kristoffer Ajer has recovered from an ankle injury sustained against Southampton. He’s set to team up with Ethan Pinnock and Nathan Collins in a back three, with Keane Lewis-Potter and Mads Roerslev possibly being called upon to play as wing-backs.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo; Savinho, De Bruyne, Doku; Haaland
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Flekken; Collins, Pinnick, Ajer; Roerslev, Damsgaard, Norgaard, Janelt, Lewis-Potter; Mbeumo, Wissa
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 3-1 Brentford[/SPOILER]
Brentford might give Manchester City a bit of trouble up front with Mbeumo and Wissa, but it's hard to bet against City's firepower. They've got too much talent and depth.
Plus, City's home record is incredibly strong - they're almost unbeatable at the Etihad. So, we think they'll keep their perfect start to the season going and pick up all three points against Brentford. They're just too good, and it's hard to see anyone stopping them right now
Brentford might give Manchester City a bit of trouble up front with Mbeumo and Wissa, but it's hard to bet against City's firepower. They've got too much talent and depth.
Plus, City's home record is incredibly strong - they're almost unbeatable at the Etihad. So, we think they'll keep their perfect start to the season going and pick up all three points against Brentford. They're just too good, and it's hard to see anyone stopping them right now
