On Saturday, Manchester City is set to face Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, marking a return to Premier League action after a brief international break. It’s another chance for City to continue their strong start, having already brushed aside two London teams—Chelsea and West Ham—while giving Ipswich a 4-1 defeat at home. City fans are eagerly anticipating another dominant display, and with Brentford as the next opponent, it’s bound to be an exciting contest.
Brentford will be looking to build on their recent form as they enter their third straight Premier League season. After finishing 16th last season, they’ll be eager to climb higher this time around. They won’t have it easy, though, from City.
Brentford’s Form So Far
Brentford has kicked off their season with a mix of results. They’ve managed to secure two wins out of their first three games, placing them sixth in the table. Their opening win against Crystal Palace (2-1) was solid, but they faced a setback at Anfield, losing 2-0 to Liverpool. However, they bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Southampton, maintaining a 100% home record.
Interestingly, Brentford’s defense hasn’t been watertight—they’ve conceded in all three games so far. Their goals have come late, with most of their scoring happening in the second half, while their defense tends to falter after the interval as well. This trend could spell trouble against a City team known for their relentless pressure.
Players to Keep an Eye On
Right now, Bryan Mbeumo is the standout player for Brentford. He’s already found the net three times, including a brace in their win against Southampton. Alongside him, Yoane Wissa has also been effective, scoring twice this season. Both will be threats to City’s defense, and Wissa has even provided an assist. City’s backline will need to stay sharp to keep them quiet.
Brentford’s Manager: Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank has become a familiar figure in the Premier League. Now in his seventh season with Brentford, he has a respectable track record, winning over 40% of his matches. His experience and tactical nous have helped the team grow year after year, and Brentford looks more settled under his leadership.
Last Season’s Showdown
Last time these two met at the Etihad, it was a tough game for both sides. It wasn’t until the 71st minute that Erling Haaland found the back of the net, giving City a 1-0 victory. With Haaland already in goal-scoring form this season, Brentford will hope to avoid a repeat, but City’s firepower might be too much to handle.
