Brentford - Manchester City predictions and free betting tips [05/02/2024]

Today as part of the 23rd round of the Premier League, Brentford will host Manchester City on their home grounds. Midweek, the Citizens overcame Burnley with a scoreline of 3:1, whilst Thomas Frank's team succumbed to Tottenham in an action-packed shoot-out, losing 3:2 on the road.

Potential Line up

Brentford: Flekken; Collins, Mee, Pinnock; Rorslev, Janelt, Jensen, Norgaard, Reguilon; Tony, Mbeumo.
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake; Nunez, Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland

Brentford

Currently, Brentford sits in 15th place in the Premier League table, only 4 points above the relegation zone. In recent weeks, the Bees have found themselves in dangerous proximity to the red line, largely due to a shocking series of five consecutive defeats. Notwithstanding, two weeks ago the Londoners delighted their fans with a home victory over Nottingham Forest (3:2), though they had to accept defeat against Tottenham with the same scoreline in the last round. Neal Mbeumo put the red and blacks ahead within the 15th minute, however, the Spurs retaliated with goals from Udogi Destiny, Richarlison, and Brennan Johnson, meaning that Ivan Toney's goal in the 67th minute became a consolation. It's worth noting that the hosts have won only one match out of their last nine in all competitions, and since since the end of October, Frank's charges have been unable to keep a clean sheet.  

After being knocked out of both national cups, Brentford can now focus on the Premier League competition. In the Bees' line-up, Mbeumo, their top scorer (7 goals and 3 assists), defenders Iheanacho Etebo and Henry, and forward Shadae Lawrence, are still out. On top of that, representatives of the Brentford squad, such as Wissa and Onyeka, are currently absent due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, and Goddos has just reached the semi-final of the Asian Cup with the Iran national team. Ivan Toney, who returned to action after a long suspension on 20th January, has managed a goal in both his matches since returning, and will partner up with Mbeumo (4 goals and 3 assists) in the attack. During the winter transfer window, Reguilon, a left winger from Tottenham, young Turkish midfielder Emre Konak (18 years old from Sivasspor), and Icelandic goalkeeper Valdimarsson from Elfsborg have joined their ranks.

Manchester City

Manchester City, predicted to be the champion of this season, currently stands only in the 2nd place of the Premier League table. With a game in hand, they trail Liverpool by five points. Stumbling unexpectedly at home against Crystal Palace in December (2:2), the Citizens have since secured four consecutive victories: against Everton (1:3), Sheffield United (2:0), Newcastle (2:3), and Burnley earlier this week (3:1). Julian Alvarez celebrated his 24th birthday scoring with a header which opened the account, then neatly finished an assist from De Bruyne from a free-kick; and Rodri's fearsome strike from 20 yards out sealed the result. The solitary clean sheet acquired in the last 11 Premier League matches may concern Pep Guardiola, but his men have scored at least two goals in each of their last six matches and haven't been defeated in their past 11 Monday fixtures, winning nine. 

While the future of key defender Akanji's physical fitness remains uncertain, Manchester City's squad faces no significant injuries. Norwegian striker Haaland (14 goals and 4 assists) returned to action last week after almost two months of absence, though Julian Alvarez filled in capably for him (with 8 goals and 6 assists). Playmaker De Bruyne, also returning from injury in January, has continued to orchestrate the team's game in midfield (scoring 1 goal and serving 3 assists in the last 4 matches). During this winter, midfielder Phillips was loaned to West Ham, and reserve goalkeeper Steffen moved to Colorado.

Head-to-Head

Brentford triumphed 1:0 at home in West London last May, and also came out on top at Etihad at 2:1. 

Match Prediction for Brentford – Manchester City

The Bees have squandered 23 points this campaign after taking the lead; more than any other Premier League team. Considering such carelessness, achieving success against a motivated City side will be a tough task for Brentford. With leaders returning to the pitch, the Citizens should have a strong performance, thus confidently betting on a City win with -1 handicap is advised.