Match Preview: Brentford vs Man City (Premier League)

Fixture: Brentford vs Manchester City

 Date: Tuesday, 14 January 2025

 Kickoff Time: 19:30 GMT

 Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, London

Brentford host Manchester City in a challenging Premier League fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Bees come into this match on the back of a shock FA Cup exit to Championship Plymouth Argyle. Injuries and inconsistency also remain big concerns.

Manchester City, despite a recent 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City, has shown vulnerabilities in high-stakes games and will be keen to maintain momentum as they chase the league leaders, Liverpool.

Last 5 Matches:

• Loss: Brentford 0-1 Plymouth Argyle
• Win: Brentford 5–0 Southampton
• Loss: Brentford 1–3 Arsenal
• Draw: Brighton 0–0 Brentford
• Loss: Brentford 0–2 Nottingham Forest

Key Insight: Brentford’s form has been mixed this season, but their ability to capitalise on counterattacks and set pieces keeps them competitive, even against top sides.

• Win: Manchester City 8-0 Salford City
• Win: Manchester City 4–1 West Ham
• Win: Leicester 0–2 Manchester City
• Draw: Manchester City 1–1 Everton
• Loss: Aston Villa 2–1 Manchester City

Key Insight: Man City have bounced back from consecutive losses to Manchester United and Aston Villa with three commanding wins, but defensive lapses remain a concern for Pep Guardiola’s men.

• Aaron Hickey (Hamstring): Out until May 2025.
• Ben Mee (Muscle): Fitness to be assessed; could return mid-January.
• Ethan Pinnock (Knock): Out until early February 2025.
• Kristoffer Ajer (Ankle): Out until early February 2025.
• Igor Thiago (Knee): Doubtful
• Josh Dasilva (Knee): Doubtful
  

• John Stones (Foot): Match fitness to be assessed; unlikely to feature.
• Oscar Bobb (Broken Leg): Out until late January 2025.
• Rodri (Cruciate Ligament): Out for the season.
• Ruben Dias (Calf): Could return mid-January but may be eased back into action.
  

• Goalkeeper: Mark Flekken
• Defenders: Mads Roerslev, Nathan Collins, Sepp Van den Berg, Keane Lewis-Potter
• Midfielders: Mathias Jensen, Christian Nørgaard, Mikkel Damsgaard
• Forwards: Bryan Mbuemo, Yoanne Wissa, Kevin Schade
  

• Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega
• Defenders: Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Aké
• Midfielders Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne,
• Forwards: Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland
  

Thomas Frank’s side thrives on high pressing and counterattacks, with Mbeumo and Wissa offering speed and dynamism up front. Their midfield, anchored by Nørgaard, focuses on disrupting opposition play and launching quick transitions. Set pieces are a key weapon for the Bees, especially against a City defence prone to lapses in concentration.

Strengths

• High-intensity pressing and counterattacking.
• Dangerous in set-piece situations.

Weaknesses:

• Injuries in defence limit options and stability.
• Struggles against teams with overwhelming possession.
  

Pep Guardiola’s side will look to dominate possession and control the game through their midfield maestros. With Haaland spearheading the attack, City will aim to exploit Brentford’s defensive injuries. Creativity from De Bruyne and Foden will be pivotal in breaking down Brentford’s compact defence.

Strengths:

• Attacking versatility.
• Lethal finishing from Haaland and creative play from wide areas.

Weaknesses:

• Vulnerable to quick counters due to a high defensive line.
• Occasional lapses in defensive organisation.
  

Brentford will aim to frustrate City with a disciplined defensive setup while looking to capitalise on counter-attacks and set pieces. However, City’s superior quality in midfield and attack should allow them to dictate play. The outcome is likely to hinge on how effectively Brentford can exploit City’s defensive vulnerabilities and how clinical City are in converting their dominance into goals.

City’s attacking firepower and midfield control should see them overcome Brentford. While the hosts may find a goal through a counterattack or set-piece, City’s quality should ultimately secure all three points.

• Result: Manchester City to Win
• Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
• Both Teams to Score: Yes
  

Brentford are one of the few Premier League teams to have defeated Manchester City twice since their promotion, including a stunning 2–1 victory at the Etihad in November 2022.

Explore more betting promotions and new bet offers to find the best betting offers from Ladbrokes.

For outright predictions on the Premier League, check out our Betting Premier League Outright.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.