Brentford Challenge City in Top-Flight Clash

Pre-Match Coverage

City Manager Guardiola remarked on the team's initial campaign performances:

“Our development can be improved, interpreting the rival's moves, gaps to penetrate, the impression we are establishing, the tempo and pace that's excellent and our offense more fluid more regularly, we can do specific actions that need refinement, and I value that.”

Opposing Manager Praise

Brentford manager Keith Andrews reflected on Pep Guardiola's impact:

“He is arguably the top coach of the last 15 years; the way he's coached the game, his impact on football's perception and performed with multiple clubs and in various nations.”

Starting Elevens

Brentford Team:

• Kelleher, Defender, van den Berg, Ajer, Fullback, Midfielder, Henderson, Yarmoliuk, Wingback, Schade, Thiago

Substitutes: Attacker, Henry, Midfielder, Playmaker, Lewis-Potter, Midfield, Ouattara, Defender, Goalkeeper

Manchester City Lineup:

• Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Defender, Fullback, Midfielder, Midfield, Midfield, Attacker, Bobb, Striker

Substitutes: Defender, Cherki, Doku, González, Kovačić, Lewis, Silva, Defender, Goalkeeper

Match Preview

Welcome to real-time commentary of this top-flight fixture between Brentford and City at Brentford's arena. Today’s match showcases the clash of the center-forwards.

For the home side stands Thiago. Before Antoine Semenyo's heroics against their London rivals, Thiago had been the joint-second highest scorer in the division with a quartet of strikes in six games. His efficiency is notable with a strong conversion percentage, shown by his initial strike against Manchester United highlighted.

On Manchester City's side is Erling Haaland. The forward has been Manchester City's key player in the current campaign. He has bagged 17 scores in 10 games for City and Norway and is once again displaying his trademark prowess. He has yet to score at Brentford's home before though so he’ll be keen to break his duck.

Three points for Brentford would secure consecutive victories against the two Manchester teams. For the City boss, this fixture presents a possibility to achieve number 250 Premier League victory as Manchester City head coach. Three points would see him become the quickest coach to reach this milestone with one Premier League club.

The beginning is at 16:30.