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Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will return to action after the international break with a clash against Brentford on Saturday, September 14. Pundit Chris Sutton has shared his thoughts on how Pep Guardiola’s side will fare against the Bees at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City have started the season in ruthless form, winning their opening three games. They currently sit at the top of the league on goal difference and, alongside Liverpool, are the only team with a perfect record.
However, Brentford have certainly posed a few problems for Guardiola since their promotion to the Premier League. In fact, Thomas Frank was the last manager to secure a win at the Etihad Stadium, which notably came back in November 2022 before the start of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
In his column for the BBC, Chris Sutton pointed out that while City are strong favorites to claim all three points, Brentford remain a “bogey team” for Guardiola. Sutton predicts a 3-1 victory for the home side.
"Brentford have been a bogey team for Manchester City in the past and Bees boss Thomas Frank knows how to beat them, that’s for sure - he did the double over them in 2022-23."
"That’s not going to happen this time, though. I refuse to put Erling Haaland in my Fantasy team on principle, because the whole nation has picked him, but he is just unstoppable at the moment and City should win this one comfortably." Sutton said.
He also remarked that it’s alarming how City, who typically take time to find their groove, have started the season with such intent, which could spell trouble for their title rivals.
City don’t usually hit their stride so early in a season. If this is them just warming up, then god help the rest of the Premier League," he added (via BBC)
Manchester City team news ahead of Brentford clash
Pep Guardiola faced several selection headaches in the opening three weeks, with most players not fully fit. However, over the course of three games, he made only one change to his starting lineup, which was also forced due to an injury to Savinho.
Now that the team is set to play every three days, Guardiola will need to rotate the squad, which has been strengthened by the return of both Phil Foden and Rodri.
Foden, who missed the last two games due to illness, returned to training this week, while Rodri recently featured in Spain’s victory against Switzerland.
While the return of these two players is great news for Guardiola, Nathan Ake suffered a muscle injury during the international break and is set to join Oscar Bobb on the sidelines.
Erling Haaland, who has already scored seven goals this season, recently lost his close friend Ivar Eggja. Reports suggest Manchester City may grant him compassionate leave, although he trained with the team on Thursday and could feature on Saturday.
