Man City predicted XI vs Brentford: £109m-rated star to provide big boost with return

Reigning champions and Premier League leaders Manchester City will be looking to keep up their perfect start to the season this weekend when domestic football resumes. Pep Guardiola’s entire starting lineup from their previous clash with West Ham United have been representing their countries on international duty.

City and Liverpool are the only two teams in the league to bank maximum points from their first three games. The champions currently lead the pack on goal difference but they must be aware of their rivals as they move forward in this already competitive season.

Last time out, Erling Haaland extended his goal tally to an astonishing seven goals in just three games after a second consecutive hat-trick. The holding Golden Boot winner fired three past Ipswich Town and then again past West Ham to romp ahead in this season’s top scorer race.

Next up for City will be a home fixture against Brentford, who are currently sixth in the Premier League table after picking up six points against Crystal Palace and Southampton. Let’s take a look at the latest player news from the champions’ camp and how Guardiola could line up for their Saturday clash.

Man City fitness updates

Oscar Bobb is not due back for some time after undergoing surgery on a fractured. Guardiola confirmed the 21-year-old will be out for ‘three or four months’ while he undergoes his recovery. It’s unlikely Nathan Ake will feature this weekend either after picking up an injury on international duty with the Netherlands. Ronald Koeman said it looks ‘like a muscle injury’ but admitted he is ‘not certain’ on the extent of the problem.

It remains to be seen whether Phil Foden will be available this weekend after pulling out of the recent England camp due to illness. On the other hand, Savinho could return after missing the West Ham clash. Rodri hasn’t featured for City yet this season following a Euro 2024 injury but he was named as a substitute against the Irons, so the £109 million-rated midfielder could be due back this weekend, which will be a huge boost.

Ederson; Rico Lewis, Rúben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, Jérémy Doku, Erling Haaland.