Manchester City welcome Brentford to the Etihad for their first game back in the Premier League following the International break. Brentford have had a decent start to the season, winning two out of three but City remain title favourites with a perfect start to the 24/25 season so far. With Brentford last managing to beat City in May 2023, it begs the question: can they do it again?
Match Preview
City have hit the ground running again and they look like they will walk the title again this season. Despite the looming 115 charges going to trial, City are the best team in the world football and will attempt to pull off another treble under Pep this season.
As noted, Brentford have had a decent start to their season, but with goalscorer Ivan Toney leaving for Saudi Arabia over the summer, they will be hoping that Bryan Mbeumo can remain consistent over the next year.
Manchester City Recent Form
City are three for three in the Premier League this season, and they've been practically perfect over their last six domestic games, continuing their stellar form from the end of last season into 24/25.
Last Manchester City Lineup
Man City Injury and team news
Oscar Bobb is still out after suffering from a Fractured leg. Phil Foden, Savinho and Nathan Ake are still listed as out although there is a chance that Foden could return by the weekend to start again for the hosts.
Brentford Recent Form
Brentford have had a decent start to the season but they face their biggest challenge so far in City this weekend. An opening day win over Crystal Palace and 3-1 win over Southampton show that they are solid against lower table sides but the 2-0 loss to Liverpool shows that they do struggle against teams above them.
Last Brentford Lineup
Brentford Injury and team news
Brentford are without a fair few players ahead of the weekend, with Rico Henry (Knee), Aaron Hickey (Hamstring), Josh Dasilva (Knee), Igor Thiago (Knee) Kristoffer Ajer (Ankle) and Mathias Jensen (Knock) all reportedly sidelined.
Manchester City vs Brentford - who is the referee and VAR?
Referee: Darren Bond
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long
Fourth official: Ben Toner
VAR: Darren England
Assistant VAR: Harry Lennard.
Players To Watch
Manchester City Player To Watch
It is really difficult to look past Erling Haaland as the player to watch for City. With the Norwegian striker having already scored seven times in three games, he looks set to continue his sensational run this weekend against a Brentford side that will struggle at the back against him.
Brentford Player To Watch
You can't say that Bryan Mbeumo has replaced Ivan Toney, yet, but he is absolutely looking like he will be who Brentford can turn to in terms of goals this season. With three in three already he'll need to be clinical against City as he won't get many chances in front of goal this weekend.
Prediction
Despite Brentford having a decent start to the season, Man City are still the best team in the league and it will be a tough away day for them this Saturday.
Our Prediction: Manchester City 3 - 1 Brentford
Betting Tips
Tip 1
Manchester City to win and Total goals over 2.5
Logic: Manchester City are 4 places and 3 points above Brentford, have won their last 5 home games, and over 2 goals have been scored in 5 of their last 6 home matches.
Tip 2
Manchester City to win and Both teams to score
Logic: Manchester City have scored in 5 and conceded in 5 of their last 6 home games. Brentford have scored in 4 and conceded in 6 of their last 6 away games.
Tip 3
Total goals over 2.5 and Both teams to score
Logic: Manchester City and Brentford have seen more than 2 goals in their recent games. Both teams have consistently scored and conceded goals.
