Manchester City are aiming to make it four wins on the bounce to start the defence of their Premier League title this Saturday when they host Brentford.
Pep Guardiola’s side, who begin their Champions League campaign with a repeat of the 2022/23 final on Wednesday, haven’t had to get out of second gear at the beginning of the new season, beating Chelsea, Ipswich Town and West Ham United to collect maximum points.
Erling Haaland has been in typically devastating form and could bag a third straight hat-trick at club level on Saturday afternoon, with his current goals tally standing at seven after just three games. The bad news for Brentford is that he scored the winner in this exact fixture last season.
However, the Bees will head to the Etihad with confidence. They have history of stinging Man City and have kicked off 2024/25 with two victories from their opening three games, with their only defeat coming at the hands of in-form Liverpool.
90min takes a closer look at Man City vs Brentford in the Premier League.
Man City vs Brentford H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Man City vs Brentford on TV and live stream
Man City team news
Guardiola was dealt mixed news over the international break. The positive is that Rodri finally made his return to action with Spain having been absent since the Euro 2024 final, but the negative is that Nathan Ake was stretchered off in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Germany.
Phil Foden withdrew from the England squad over the international break as he continues to struggle with illness. Alongside Savinho, he could return to the field on Saturday. Oscar Bobb is a long-term absentee for the champions.
Man City predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-1-4-1): Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri; Savinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland.
Brentford team news
Brentford have a host of injury concerns heading to Manchester, with Josh Dasilva, Igor Thiago and Aaron Hickey long-term absentees. Rico Henry, who has been sidelined since last September, is closing in on a return but is unlikely to feature this weekend.
Mathias Jensen is out with a calf problem, but Kristoffer Ajer is back in contention.
Brentford predicted lineup vs Man City (4-3-3): Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer; Janelt, Norgaard, Damsgaard; Mbeumo, Wissa, Lewis-Potter.
Brentford have been impressive in the opening weeks of the season but a trip to Man City is a fear-inducing proposition, with the Bees likely to leave the Etihad with a few bruises and, crucially, without any points.
Injuries and a lack of squad depth only exacerbate Thomas Frank’s problems heading north and a confident Haaland will greet them on their arrival. For City, this is likely to be another routine afternoon in which they flex their attacking muscles.