New Delhi: Manchester City will look to maintain their perfect start to the 2024-25 Premier League season as they host Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. City, who have won all three of their opening matches, are in formidable form, having defeated Chelsea 2-0, Ipswich Town 4-1, and West Ham United 3-1. Erling Haaland has been particularly impressive, scoring seven goals in those games, including two hat-tricks.
City’s strong record at home is a significant factor. They are unbeaten in their last 45 matches at the Etihad across all competitions, with 38 wins and seven draws. Their last defeat at home in the league was against Brentford in November 2022, when Ivan Toney scored twice in a 2-1 victory for the Bees. Since then, City have been almost invincible at their home ground.
Where to watch in India?
The match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the 3 pm blackout rule. However, fans in India can catch the highlights of the game on Match of the Day, which airs at 10:30 pm IST on BBC One. Alternatively, updates and key moments will be available through various sports news websites and apps.
Team news
City are back! 🙌#ManCity pic.twitter.com/PEVdpepv7h
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2024
Manchester City will be without attacker Oscar Bobb, who is recovering from a leg fracture. Defender Nathan Ake is also sidelined until after the next international break due to a muscle injury sustained while playing for the Netherlands. With Ake out, Josko Gvardiol is likely to continue on the left side of the defence, with John Stones possibly stepping in at centre-back. The availability of Haaland is uncertain as he may be granted compassionate leave following the loss of a close family friend.
Brentford’s squad also faces several injury concerns. Igor Thiago, Josh Dasilva, and Aaron Hickey are still out with knee and hamstring injuries. New signing Gustavo Nunes is expected to miss a few weeks with a stress fracture in his back. Kristoffer Ajer, who recovered from an ankle injury, is expected to return to the starting lineup alongside Ethan Pinnock and Nathan Collins in a three-man defence. Mathias Jensen is also unavailable with a calf issue.
Match prediction: Manchester City to continue their dominance
Despite Brentford’s decent form this season, including a 3-1 win over Southampton in their last game, Manchester City are strong favourites. City is likely to outscore Brentford with their impressive home record and current form. Although Brentford’s attackers, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, could pose some challenges, City’s depth and quality make them the clear favourites to secure a win.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Brentford. City’s superior squad and home advantage should see them continue their perfect start to the season.
Manchester City aim to extend their perfect start to the Premier League season as they host Brentford at the Etihad Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
