Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Brentford (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City welcome Brentford to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as they look to extend their Premier League winning run following international games.

Three wins from three gave Manchester City the perfect start to another long season, with Thomas Frank’s Brentford the latest team looking to take some points from the reigning top-flight champions.

The Bees are the last side to travel to the Etihad Stadium and return with all three points, having defeated Pep Guardiola’s side 1-2 back in November 2022, following a brace from talisman and former player, Ivan Toney.

That luxury is no longer at the hands of Thomas Frank following Toney’s transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli this summer. Given this, it appears as though the German coach is not hopeful about his chances this weekend.

The Brentford manager said during his pre-match press conference, “I know if you switch off you can lose 5-0 (to Manchester City). Hopefully we play good. We’re going to need a bit of luck.”

His counterpart had questions centred elsewhere, surrounding Manchester City’s looming case regarding the 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, but the Catalan was relaxed in his response, stating that he is “looking forward to the decision”.

Pep Guardiola also confirmed that key players Rodri and Phil Foden have returned to training this week, while striker and current top-scorer Erling Haaland is available, but will be given compassionate leave if he chooses, following the passing of close family friend, Ivar Eggja.

With that being said, here is the Manchester City side we expect will take the field at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, looking to make it four wins from four in the Premier League so far this season.

Predicted XI

Ederson will remain between the sticks on Saturday.

Kyle Walker reportedly trained with the Manchester City’s Under-21s this week in an aim to keep fitness after his absence from the England camp. Despite this, we think Rico Lewis will keep his place in the side given his incredible early season form.

Manuel Akanji suffered two defeats while away with Switzerland over the last fortnight, although we expect him to keep his place in the side, alongside his ever-present partner so far this season Ruben Dias.

Following the injury to Nathan Ake during the international break, which is expected to rule out the Dutchman for at least seven matches, it seems inevitable that Josko Gvardiol will keep his place and complete the defence for this one.

Rodri is yet to make an appearance for Manchester City this season, but we expect that to change for this one, replacing Mateo Kovacic – who will no doubt be unlucky to miss out on the action if that is the case.

Kevin De Bruyne didn’t hold back on his country following Belgium’s defeat to France on Monday, and we expect him to keep his place in the side, partnering Bernardo Silva in the attacking segment of a midfield three.

With Phil Foden’s return to full fitness still a question, despite returning to full first-team training this week after an illness, we think Savinho will return to the side after recovering from a slight knee injury that kept him out of the trip to West Ham.

Despite the passing of a close family friend earlier this week, we think Erling Haaland will soldier on despite the tragic news and start for Manchester City against Brentford.

Following his impressive outings in an England shirt over the last week, and completing the 11 for Saturday’s clash, we believe Jack Grealish will maintain his place in the Manchester City line-up at the Etihad Stadium.

Predicted XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Savinho, Haaland, Grealish.

Substitutes: Ortega Moreno, Walker, Stones, Wilson-Esbrand, Kovacic, Gundogan, McAtee, Foden, Doku.