Manchester City vs Brentford: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Manchester City vs Brentford in the League Cup. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 19:30 GMT match.

• Fixture: Manchester City vs Brentford
• Date: Wednesday, 17 December 2025
• Kick-off: 19:30 GMT
• Venue: Etihad Stadium

Manchester City are coming into this match with a strong run of form in the Carabao Cup, having secured convincing victories against Swansea and Huddersfield. Their attacking prowess was on full display, particularly in the 3-1 win over Swansea, suggesting they'll look to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities against Brentford. With players like Cherki in fine form, City's front line could pose a significant threat to Brentford's defence.

Brentford, on the other hand, have shown they can be a tough nut to crack, especially after thrashing Grimsby 5-0 and holding Aston Villa to a draw in the earlier rounds of the competition. Their ability to score goals and defend stoutly could make this an intriguing contest. However, facing a City side in such good shape might test their resilience, and they'll need to be at their best to get anything from this game.

Manchester City's form in the Carabao Cup has been nothing short of impressive, with back-to-back wins against Swansea and Huddersfield. Their ability to score multiple goals in both matches highlights their attacking strength, which could be crucial against Brentford. With key players like Cherki finding the net, City's confidence will be high going into this fixture. However, Rodri's absence due to a lack of match fitness might affect their midfield control.

Recent League Cup Results:

• Win: 3-1 vs Swansea (A)

• Win: 2-0 vs Huddersfield (A)

Brentford have shown they can compete in the League Cup, as evidenced by their 5-0 thrashing of Grimsby and a solid draw against Aston Villa. Their recent form suggests they can both score and defend well, which will be vital against a formidable Manchester City side.

However, the absence of several key players due to injuries, including Antoni Milambo and Fabio Carvalho, might weaken their squad depth. Still, Brentford's resilience could make this an interesting battle.

Recent League Cup Results:

• Win: 5-0 vs Grimsby (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Aston Villa (H)

• Win: 2-0 vs Bournemouth (A)

The head-to-head record between Manchester City and Brentford shows a competitive history, with City winning four out of the last five encounters. The most recent match saw Manchester City secure a 1-0 victory away at Brentford. However, Brentford have shown they can hold their own, drawing 2-2 in one of the earlier meetings this season. This suggests that while City have the upper hand, Brentford are capable of causing an upset.

Recent Results

• Brentford 0-1 Manchester City (05 Oct 2025) - Premier League

• Brentford 2-2 Manchester City (14 Jan 2025) - Premier League

• Manchester City 2-1 Brentford (14 Sep 2024) - Premier League

• Manchester City 1-0 Brentford (20 Feb 2024) - Premier League

• Brentford 1-3 Manchester City (05 Feb 2024) - Premier League

• Mateo Kovacic (Ankle) - Out

• John Stones (Muscle) - Out

• Jérémy Doku (Muscle) - Out

• Rodri (Lack of Fitness) - Doubt

• Antoni-Djibu Milambo (Knee) - Out

• Dango Ouattara (International Duty) - Out

• Fábio Carvalho (Knee) - Doubt

• Josh Dasilva (Groin) - Doubt

• Reiss Nelson (Knock) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Trafford (GK), Lewis (DF), Khusanov (DF), Ake (DF), Nouri (DF), Nico (MF), Mukasa (MF), Bobb (MF), Cherki (MF), Savinho (MF), Marmoush (AT)

Manchester City's predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining possession and exploiting the flanks with Bobb and Savinho. Rodri's absence might see Nico and Mukasa tasked with controlling the midfield against Brentford's robust setup.

• Predicted lineup: Valdimarsson (GK), Arthur (DF), Van den Berg (DF), Pinnock (DF), Henry (DF), Onyeka (MF), Jensen (MF), Lewis-Potter (MF), Damsgaard (MF), Schade (MF), Thiago (AT)

Brentford's predicted lineup indicates a solid defensive structure with Pinnock at the heart of the defence. The midfield duo of Onyeka and Jensen will be crucial in breaking up City's play and launching quick counter-attacks.

• Cherki vs Pinnock: This duel will see Manchester City's attacking flair tested against Brentford's defensive solidity.

• Bobb vs Arthur: A midfield battle where Bobb's creativity will be up against Arthur's defensive nous.

• Savinho (Manchester City): Savinho's pace and directness make him a constant threat on the wing, capable of turning the game in City's favour.

• Jensen (Brentford): Jensen's role in the midfield will be pivotal, as his ability to break up play and distribute the ball could dictate Brentford's performance.

• Manchester City vs Brentford at 19:30 GMT on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, is being broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.

• Ladbrokes is predicting that the score will be Manchester City 3-1 Brentford.

• Ladbrokes is giving fans the ability to bet on various markets for Manchester City vs Brentford, including match betting, correct score and anytime scorer odds.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.