Manchester City return to action after the international break with a home clash against Brentford.
It’s been a perfect start to the new season for Manchester City, who are already sitting pretty on the top of the Premier League table but only because they have scored two more goals than Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola’s side have begun the campaign firing on all cylinders with nine goals in their opening three matches, a ridiculous seven of them coming from Erling Haaland.
Brentford have started brightly, too, with victories over Southampton and Crystal Palace coming either side of a defeat to Liverpool.
Despite losing Ivan Toney, the Bees remain a tricky outfit and have been difficult for City to deal with in the last two seasons.
There could have been an easier way for the Blues to get back into the swing of things following the break but they will be confident of picking up another three points.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
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What time is Man City vs Brentford kick-off?
Manchester City vs Brentford kicks off at 3 pm on Saturday, August 14, at the Etihad Stadium.
- Premier League
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Man CityManchester City
BrentfordBrentford
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How to watch Man City vs Brentford
Unfortunately, as City vs Brentford gets underway at 3 pm on Saturday it is subject to the football blackout which runs between 2:45 pm and 5:15 pm.
As a result, there is no way to watch or livestream the game in the United Kingdom.
Manchester City vs Brentford team news
City will hopefully welcome forwards Phil Foden and Savinho back to the fold after their absences before the international break.
Foden has returned to training after missing the last two games with illness while Savinho missed the trip to West Ham with a knock to the knee.
Rodri could also be in line for his first appearance of the season after being given extra time to recuperate from a tough summer.
However, there is one causality from the international break as Nathan Ake was stretchered off with a hamstring injury while playing for the Netherlands. Oscar Bobb is still sidelined.
Brentford, meanwhile, could be without up to six players with Joshua Dasilva, Mathias Jensen, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago and Gustavo Nunes all ruled out.
Referee and officials
Darren Bond will be the man in the middle for the game while Darren England will operate VAR. The full list of officials is:
- Referee: Darren Bond
- Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long
- Fourth official: Ben Toner
- VAR: Darren England
- Assistant VAR: Harry Lennard
Man City vs Brentford prediction
City were on scintillating form before the break and with the returns of crucial players like Rodri and Foden, as well as Savinho, it’s hard to see that not continuing.
Brentford have challenged the Blues in the past but with the hot streak Haaland is on they’ll find it difficult to keep him at bay, as Thomas Frank has already admitted.
Prediction: Man City 3-1 Brentford
