20:39
It’s about to start! The intro show is already running in the stadium in Manchester. The arena is being darkened and the city line-up is being ceremonially presented.
20:22
The Bees are without their top scorer Toney (six goals) today with a calf injury. Otherwise, coach Frank starts with a defensive 4-5-1 and probably wants to “park the bus” in his own sixteen for the time being. New signing Christian Eriksen is still in rehab after suffering a heart attack at the Euro and has yet to make his comeback.
20:20
Let’s take a quick look at the most important personal details: Gündoğan is initially on the bench at ManCity, Pep attacks in front in a 4-3-3 with Foden, Mahrez and Sterling. Central defender Laporte surprisingly played left-back today.
20:18
However, the chances for the big sensation of the Bees should not be too high, Manchester City is simply too constant for that at the moment. City have recently had six home wins in a row in the Premier League and could extend their lead to twelve points over Liverpool with a win against Brentford. The Citizens are also marching towards Wembley in the FA Cup and in the 4th round they shot second division Fulham 4-1 out of the competition.
20:04
A quick look at the bookmaker’s odds makes it clear how clearly the role of favorites is in this game: Anyone who bets just 10 euros on the guests from Brentford today would win a whole 250 euros if they were successful. For a City win, the betting providers offer just 11 euros. “If we win, that would be one of the biggest surprises of the season,” says Brentford coach Thomas Frank.
19:50
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City face viable opposition on their way to defending their Premier League title tonight as the Etihad hosts struggling newly promoted Brentford FC. The Bees recently lost four times in a row and, after a good start to the season, are now threatening to sink more and more into the relegation battle. It’s been over a month since the Bees last won.
19:10
Good evening and welcome to the Premier League! Champions Manchester City meet newly promoted Brentford at 8:45 p.m. today. Will Pep get the mandatory win with his Citizens?