Verdict: Igor Thiago over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Turning their attention back to Premier League duties on Sunday afternoon, Manchester City will travel to west London when they meet Brentford.
Brentford
Starting with the hosts, while Brentford might have sprung a real upset over the summer as they announced Keith Andrews as Thomas Frank’s permeant replacement, the Bees have enjoyed a rugged start to proceedings. Last seen putting in a stellar performance on home soil as they clinched a 3-1 victory at home against Manchester United, the Irish tactician will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Extending on their EFL Cup adventure on September 16th as they edged past Aston Villa in west London, Brentford should find the mood in their camp at a high. Marking their return from September’s fortnight interval with a last-gasp 2-2 stalemate against bitter local rivals Chelsea, the Bees should be confident of asking some serious questions this weekend.
Brentford Team News
Both still dealing with respective hamstring injuries, Brentford will once again be without the duo of Gustavo Nunes and former Tottenham youngster Paris Maghoma here. However, completing a loan switch from Arsenal over the summer, Reiss Nelson could return to Andrews’ squad this weekend.
Bagging a Premier League brace against Manchester United last time out and now notching four goals in his previous five top-flight appearances, the red-hot Igor Thiago will lead the line in west London. Fellow new recruit and former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will start between the sticks on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, left frustrated earlier in the week as they were eventually forced to settle for a 2-2 stalemate away at French outfit Monaco, Manchester City will be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, despite heading into September’s international break with consecutive Premier League defeats, Pep Guardiola’s side have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen in domestic action landing a thumping 5-1 romp at home against top-flight returners Burnley, the Sky Blues will be looking to make a statement here. However, despite extending on their respective EFL Cup adventure last week as they secured a 2-0 win against League One outfit Huddersfield, City have shown some extended inconsistencies on the road. In fact, Sunday’s guests have recorded just a sole win away from the Etihad from their previous four appearances across all competitions.
Manchester City Team News
Suffering a knee injury while away at Egypt during September’s international break, Manchester City will once again be without former Eintracht Frankfurt marksman Omar Marmoush here. However, returning to first-team training earlier in the week, summer recruit Rayan Cherki could travel with Guardiola’s squad.
Bagging a Champions League brace on foreign soil in midweek and enjoying what has become a record-breaking start to proceedings, striking superstar Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s attack. Former Wolves starlet Matheus Nunes could be handed a full recall and replace John Stones at right-back.
Brentford vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
When Brentford and Manchester City last met in west London back on January 14th, Sunday’s opponents played out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate.
In fact, Man City have won just a pair of their previous six Premier League showdowns against Brentford.
Continuing on from last season, Brentford have suffered just a single Premier League defeat in west London since the start of March.
The Sky Blues have recorded just a single win from their previous four away fixtures across all competitions.
Erling Haaland has recorded 17 goals for club and country since opening up the new campaign.
Conclusion
While Manchester City might travel to west London this weekend pencilled in as a standout contender, the Sky Blues could face a potential challenge in the English capital. Forced to settle for an action-packed 2-2 stalemate when they last travelled to Brentford back in January, Guardiola’s superstar squad hold a downbeat record against Sunday’s hosts. Mustering just a pair of wins from any of their previous six Premier League meetings, the Bees could ask some serious questions here.
Verdict: Igor Thiago over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
