Manchester City have not tasted defeat in the Premier League since December 2023 and will aim to extend that remarkable run against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Cityzens have made the perfect start to 2024/25 as they seek a fifth consecutive Premier League crown, seeing off Chelsea, Ipswich Town and West Ham United with little fuss. Erling Haaland has found the back of the net in all three wins and has already produced two hat-tricks this season.
Pep Guardiola’s squad will only be bolstered by the return of Rodri, who featured for the first time since Euro 2024 during the international break, but the Spanish manager 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 in midweek, here’s how Man City could line up on home soil against the bees.
GK: Ederson – Having only been a substitute for the Brazil internationals, Ederson will be fresh for Saturday’s outing. They are unlikely to be tested regularly, but the attacking duo of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa arrive at the Etihad in fine 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 fantastic in a reversed right-back role. His displays earned him a call-up to the senior England squad in September.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The Swiss defender has started the 2024/25 campaign in impressive form, keeping John Stones out of Man City’s XI. There’s no reason for him not to start on Saturday, apart from Pep Roulette of course.
CB: Rubén Dias – Dias did not cover himself with glory a clumsy own goal against West Ham last time out, but remains an integral member of Man City’s back line no matter the opposition.
LB: Josko Guardiol Guardiol has not been able to provide the same offensive impetus from the left back that he did in the final phase of last season. Lewis’ move into midfield has limited his ability to get forward.
DM: Rodri – While Man City haven’t lost a beat without Rodri, they will certainly welcome the Spanish enforcer with open arms. His presence is most keenly felt 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 problem, but Guardiola suggested he would be fit after the international break. He has already made a significant impact for the champions.
CM: Bernardo Silva – The diminutive Portuguese maestro can play in midfield, attacking midfield or on the wings, such is his intelligence. He will likely trade a deeper, more advanced role against him Brentford.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – Desperately unlucky not to get on the scoresheet against West Ham, but De Bruyne cleaned up in his last home game. The 33-year-old scored a goal and an assist against Ipswich and also scored a brace on international duty.
LM: Jack Grealish – Two impressive displays for Lee Carsley’s England show how Grealish is still a threat in mid-flight despite playing 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 first three Premier League matches, the number three of the Golden Boot is already on his way to the Norwegian. He will fancy his chances of a third successive City hat-trick this weekend.
