Manchester City Starting XI vs Brentford: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester City Face Brentford Test Amid Selection Questions

Manchester City return to Premier League duty against Brentford this afternoon, with Pep Guardiola weighing up several key decisions ahead of a potentially awkward trip to west London. The mood inside the camp remains mixed after Wednesday night’s frustrating Champions League draw with Monaco, a result that stalled City’s early-season rhythm.

Brentford Form Sparks Caution

Keith Andrews has sparked fresh belief at Brentford, reflected by their comfortable 3-1 defeat of Manchester United last time out. Few sides relish travelling to the Gtech Community Stadium and City will be wary of falling into the same trap. Guardiola is known for rotation but today’s choices will shape the tone of the contest.

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Midfield Management and Attacking Firepower

Rodri remains central to City’s structure, yet his workload is still being carefully managed following a knee issue. He “completed 61 minutes against Monaco” and could start again, but may not last the full match. Savinho is expected to replace Jeremy Doku after being rested in midweek, while Bernardo Silva is also pushing for a recall.

Phil Foden and Tijjani Reijnders have dovetailed well as dual playmakers and should be trusted once more. Ahead of them, Erling Haaland continues to operate on a different plane. He “extended his unbelievable scoring form in midweek, netting both of City’s efforts to take his record to 21 goals and assists in 10 appearances this term. With those numbers, he is simply undroppable.”

Defensive Rotation Likely

Changes at the back feel inevitable. John Stones featured at right-back against Monaco, but Matheus Nunes is tipped to take that slot today. Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias both completed 90 minutes in Europe and appear set to continue their partnership.

Brentford will sense opportunity, yet City rarely slip when tested. If the champions-in-waiting manage the tempo and protect their defensive line from early pressure, their superior firepower should dictate proceedings.

Predicted Manchester City XI (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Rodri, Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Savinho, Haaland

Injured: Cherki, Ait-Nouri, Marmoush, Khusanov

Kick-off: 4.30pm BST, Sunday 5 October 2025

Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, London

How to watch: Sky Sports