Haaland Spearheads City's Attack as Foden Eyes Redemption Against Brentford
Manchester City are looking to secure consecutive Premier League wins for the first time this campaign when they travel to face Brentford this Sunday afternoon.
The Citizens endured a disappointing opening to the season but have begun to regain their form in their latest fixtures. However, they have managed only one away victory in the Premier League and already find themselves behind title contenders Arsenal and Liverpool in the standings.
With the October international window approaching, Pep Guardiola will be eager to see his team capitalize on last weekend's comprehensive victory over Burnley, though they must halt Brentford's perfect home record to claim all three points from their trip to west London.
Here is how City might set up on Sunday.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs, Brentford (4-1-4-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—Given Brentford's strong home performances and City's shaky defensive displays, Donnarumma may face a busy afternoon this weekend. The Italian goalkeeper has already impressed with his reflexes and saves following his summer arrival.
RB: Matheus Nunes—While John Stones featured at right-back during City's midweek Champions League stalemate with Monaco, Nunes, who found the net last weekend, is expected to reclaim his spot in the lineup.
CB: Rúben Dias—Dias struggled somewhat against Burnley but delivered a more solid performance at Monaco. He faces the tough task of containing Brentford's Igor Thiago, who has netted five goals in seven appearances this season.
CB: Joško Gvardiol—Gvardiol has appeared comfortable in his centre-back role this campaign, but the combination of speed and agility from Thiago and Kevin Schade will test his abilities this weekend.
LB: Nico O'Reilly—With Rayan Aït-Nouri sidelined through injury, O'Reilly will continue at left-back, with the young academy product consistently proving himself capable at the highest level despite his limited experience.
DM: Rodri—Guardiola has been cautious with Rodri's playing time this season, but the Spanish midfielder should feature this weekend after being rested against Burnley. He continues to be vital for City both defensively and offensively, though he hasn't quite reached his peak form yet.
RM: Savinho—After recently signing a new deal with City following extensive summer transfer rumors, Savinho may earn his second consecutive Premier League starting berth.
CM: Tijjani Reijnders—Reijnders has delivered his finest displays on the road since joining Manchester, contributing a goal and two assists during visits to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal.
CM: Phil Foden—Foden's exclusion from the latest England roster came as a shock given his impressive recent displays, but this will likely drive the City playmaker to perform even better ahead of next summer's World Cup.
LM: Jérémy Doku—Guardiola labeled Doku as "unstoppable" following the Burnley triumph, and few would dispute that evaluation based on his current performances. The rapid Belgian winger is displaying his finest form in City colors.
ST: Erling Haaland—Haaland's displays have been typically ruthless this season, with his goal count already reaching 17 for both City and Norway. He has found the net in his previous eight appearances across all competitions for club and country.
