Overview
Apart from the 0-2 defeat to Liverpool, Brentford have had a relatively impressive start to the 2024-2025 season. They have won all 6 points after 2 wins against Crystal Palace and Southampton. In addition, Brentford also defeated Colchester in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Ivan Toney's departure has not affected the "Bees" too much so far. Wissa and Mbeumo are still replacing the English striker's role well in Brentford's attack.
However, the real test for Brentford will come in round 4 of the Premier League, when they travel to the Etihad to face champions Manchester City. Besides Liverpool, Man City are the only team to still have a perfect record in the Premier League after 3 rounds.
Pep Guardiola's team has maintained the strength that has helped them dominate the tournament for the past 4 years. Obviously, the blue half of Manchester will be very hungry for the 5th consecutive championship. Therefore, against a weaker opponent like Brentford, The Citizens will try to accumulate maximum points.
Last season, Man City won both matches against Brentford. With home advantage, superior squad and high form, there is no reason for Man City to lose points against the "Beets".
Since Brentford were promoted in 2021, the two sides have met a total of six times, with Man City winning four and Brentford winning twice.
Notably, only once has the match between Man City and Brentford had more than 3 goals. Man City have not beaten Brentford by more than 2 goals in the last 3 seasons.
Human resources situation
Man City will be without Nathan Ake, Savinho, Phil Foden and Oscar Bob. Meanwhile, Rodri could return after reaching his best physical condition.
On the other side of the front line, Brentford lost Thiago, Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey. Kristoffer Ajer and Matthias Jensen are not sure to recover in time. Notably, they are all important factors in the away team's squad.
Expected lineup:
Man City: Ederson, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Lewis, De Bruyne, Kovacic, Grealish, Silva, Haaland, Doku.
Brentford: Flekken, Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Janelt, Jensen, Norgaard, Damsgaard, Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade.
The match between Man City and Brentford takes place at 9:00 p.m. on September 14 (Vietnam time).
