Manchester City haven’t tasted defeat in the Premier League since December 2023 and are aiming to extend that remarkable run against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Cityzens have made a perfect start to 2024/25 as they search for a fifth successive Premier League crown, swatting Chelsea, Ipswich Town and West Ham United aside with little fuss. Erling Haaland has found the back of the net in all three triumphs and has already produced two hat-tricks this term.
Pep Guardiola’s squad will only be strengthened by the return of Rodri, who featured for the first time since Euro 2024 over the international break, but the Spanish coach will be without Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake at the weekend. The influential Phil Foden and summer recruit Savinho are also doubts, offering Brentford the faintest glimmer of hope.
With their Champions League campaign kicking off midweek, here is how Man City could line up on home soil against the Bees.
GK: Ederson – Having been only a substitute for Brazil’s internationals, Ederson will be fresh for Saturday’s outing. He’s unlikely to be tested regularly but the attacking duo of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa arrive at the Etihad in strong form.
RB: Rico Lewis – Kyle Walker’s late return from Euro 2024 opened the door for Lewis at the start of the campaign and the youngster has been terrific in an inverted right-back role. His displays earned him a call-up for England’s senior squad in September.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The Swiss defender has started 2024/25 in impressive form, keeping John Stones out of Man City’s XI. There’s no reason he shouldn’t start on Saturday – other than Pep roulette, of course.
CB: Ruben Dias – Dias didn’t cover himself in glory with a clumsy own goal against West Ham last time out but he remains an integral member of Man City’s backline no matter the opposition.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – Gvardiol hasn’t been able to provide the same attacking impetus from left-back as he did in the closing stages of last season. Lewis stepping into midfield has limited his ability to get forward.
DM: Rodri – While Man City haven’t missed a beat without Rodri, they will certainly welcome the Spanish enforcer back with open arms. His presence is felt more keenly in high-profile games but his standards simply never drop.
RM: Savinho – The electric winger missed the 3-1 win over West Ham due to a minor fitness issue but Guardiola suggested that he would be fit after the international break. He’s already made a telling impact for the champions.
CM: Bernardo Silva – The diminutive Portuguese maestro can play in central midfield, attacking midfield or on the flanks, such is his intelligence. He will likely interchange between a deeper and more advanced role against Brentford.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – Desperately unlucky not to get on the scoresheet against West Ham but De Bruyne cleaned up in his most recent home game. The 33-year-old grabbed a goal and assist against Ipswich and also netted a brace on international duty.
LM: Jack Grealish – Two impressive displays for Lee Carsley’s England show how menacing Grealish still is in full flight, even if he featured in a more central role for the Three Lions. Competing with Jeremy Doku on the left flank, the former Aston Villa should get the nod on Saturday.
ST: Erling Haaland – Seven goals in his opening three Premier League matches, Golden Boot number three looks on its way to the Norwegian already. He will fancy his chances of grabbing a third straight City hat-trick this weekend.
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