Manchester City FC vs Brentford FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester City FC vs Brentford FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Following victories over Chelsea (2-0), Ipswich Town (4-1) and West Ham (3-1) before the international break, the defending Champions return home to face Brentford at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola's side will be eager to continue their great form, but facing a team that has performed well against them in the recent past will be a challenge. 

Brentford has recovered well from an early setback against Liverpool in the opening game, winning two in a row. The successes included a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace and a 3-1 win against a weak-looking Southampton side before the break. Even in their defeat to Liverpool, they demonstrated a lot of grit and fight, which will give them confidence going into the game against Manchester City. 

 Head-to-head record: It's one of those rivalries with only a few games in between. In total, the teams have played six matches, with City winning four and losing two. 

Current Standings: The defending champions lead the points table after the first three rounds of the season, having earned full points in all three games. Brentford, on the other hand, is sixth in the table with six points following two wins and one draw.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester City FC Preview

They say, “Well begun is half done." Though still early, it's exactly what City have done in their three games with three wins and scoring nine goals in total. Under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City is aiming for even greater success as they look to surpass their own record of four Premier League championships by winning five in a row. Their early form suggests they are well on their way to the top.

Standout players thus far

Without a shred of a doubt, Erling Haaland has been the standout performer of the season so far. The Norwegian, who finished as the leading scorer with 27 goals last season, has already raked up 7 goals in three games, including hat-tricks in successive games. 

The other standout player this season has been the 19-year-old defender, Rico Lewis. The right-back has made an impression on the team early in the season with his maturity and skill. The fact that he fits in so well with Guardiola's style defensively and in possession has allowed him to start ahead of Kyle Walker.

Injury concerns and possible changes

Phil Foden, who has missed many games due to illness, could be out of the City lineup once more. Oscar Bobb, who sustained a broken leg during the preseason, is still injured, along with the newest casualty, Nathan Ake, who got injured playing for his country in the international break. In terms of changes, Rodri, who has not played a game this season due to the extended layoff following the Euros, might well start ahead of Kovacic in his team's 3-2-4-1 system. 

Manchester City Starting Lineup -  Ederson (Goalkeeper); Lewis, Akanji, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol (Defenders); Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne (Midfielders); Doku, Grealish; Håland (Forwards)

Brentford FC Preview

The last time City lost at Etihad Stadium was in 2022; since then, they've won 38 games and drawn seven. But the main question is, who beat them last time? The answer is Brentford. They won by a single goal, which was also the only one scored in the game. 

Ethan Pinnock scored the game's goal in the 85th minute, assisted by Bryan Mbeumo. Both of these players are still part of the team. That triumph, combined with the fact that they have beaten City twice in the last five games, will instill much-needed confidence in Thomas Frank's side as they prepare for their upcoming fixture. 

Key players

 Bryan Mbeumo, who played a major role in the Bees' last win over City at the Etihad, holds the key. He has started the season brightly, scoring three goals and making the most key passes of any Brentford player so far (7). And his partner in crime, Yoane Wissa, who has two goals and an assist, will need to back him up in this encounter if the Bees are to come away with anything. 

Tactics and changes

The previous time they beat City at the Etihad, they relied largely on pressing high up the pitch, but credit must be given to the well-organised defence. In all likelihood, he will use a 4-4-2 formation with Mbeumo and Wissa lurking at the front of City's defence. Meanwhile, no changes are likely to the starting eleven that faced Southampton. 

Brentford Starting Lineup -  Flekken (GK) ; Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Janelt (Defenders); Jensen, Nørgaard, Damsgaard(Midfielders); Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade (Forwards) 

MANCHESTER CITY FC vs BRENTFORD FC
Winning Prediction

Brentford may have had previous success versus City at Etihad Stadium, but no team has beaten City there in 45 games, a span of 672 days. That's an intimidating feat. And the fact is that City defeated Brentford twice last season, 3-1 and 1-0. Furthermore, the Bees have lost more Premier League away games (13) than any other team in the division since the beginning of the previous season. 

 Despite all the stats, one cannot discount the fact that Brentford has given City a run for their money whenever they met each other. Still, most betting sites back City for a win. 

Brentford tend to run City close. So we expect this to be a close game with City winning in the end and extending their unbeaten run at home to 46 games. 

Manchester City to Win (2-1)

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