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Manchester City has been a dominant force in football for several years, consistently winning titles. In 2023, the Sky Blues made history by winning their first-ever Champions League. Domestically, they have been even more impressive, securing 6 Premier League titles in the last 7 seasons. Last season, Manchester City claimed the English crown for the fourth consecutive time, though they faced stiff competition from Arsenal, who finished just 2 points behind them.
Considered favorites to defend their title this season, City started strongly with victories over Chelsea (0-2), Ipswich (4-1), and West Ham (1-3) in their first three matches. Additionally, before the Premier League season kicked off, Pep Guardiola’s men defeated rivals Manchester United in the Community Shield, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Brentford, a Premier League team since 2021, has managed to maintain their top-flight status without much trouble. Last season, they finished 16th, comfortably avoiding relegation with a 13-point cushion. This season, the Bees have started well, despite a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on matchday two. They secured wins against Crystal Palace (2-1) and Southampton (3-1) before the international break. In the League Cup, Brentford also advanced to the next round by beating Colchester 1-0.
Manchester City will be without their promising winger Bobb due to injury, and there is uncertainty around England international Phil Foden’s availability. Midfield captain Rodri, after an outstanding Euro campaign with Spain, could make his season debut this weekend. Erling Haaland (7 goals in the Premier League) is in top form, having netted a hat-trick in his last match.
City has made significant gains in the transfer market, selling Julian Alvarez (to Atlético Madrid) and defenders João Cancelo (to Al-Hilal) and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (to Southampton). Other players such as Sergio Gomez (Real Sociedad), Tommy Doyle (Wolverhampton), Issa Kaboré (Benfica), Yan Couto (Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Ipswich), and Máximo Perrone (Como) have also departed. In return, the club welcomes back Ilkay Gündogan after his season at Barcelona, and the Brazilian winger Savinho has joined from Troyes/Girona.
On the Brentford side, they are missing long-term absentees Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey (defenders), and midfielder Josh Dasilva, as well as new striker Igor Thiago, who is injured. With the departure of Ivan Toney, attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have stepped up, both scoring in their last game.
Brentford has also lost goalkeeper David Raya, who was on loan to Arsenal last season, as well as midfielder Frank Onyeka (Augsburg), and substitutes Thomas Strakosha (AEK), Shandon Baptiste (Luton Town), and Saman Ghoddos, who is currently without a club.
Neal Maupay, after returning from his loan at Everton, has now moved to Marseille. To strengthen their squad, Brentford has made significant investments, signing defenders Sepp van den Berg (Liverpool) and Josh Meghoma (Southampton), attacking midfielder Fábio Carvalho (Liverpool), young winger Gustavo Nunes (Grêmio), and striker Igor Thiago (Bruges).
Manchester City is in great form, having won eight of their last nine matches, including all five home games during this period. Brentford, however, has struggled on the road, losing 10 of their 13 away matches.
Prediction: Manchester City 3 : 1 Brentford
