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Manchester City vs. Brentford: Carabao Cup Preview - Line-ups, Odds, and Betting Tips

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 17:08 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Manchester City vs. Brentford – Carabao Cup Preview, Line‑ups, Odds and Betting Tips
(Sporting News, 2024‑09‑12)

The Carabao Cup’s third round has the Premier League’s most formidable squad, Manchester City, staring down a spirited Brentford side that has quietly risen in the standings. Sporting News’ comprehensive preview offers a deep dive into the match’s key figures, likely line‑ups, the betting market, TV broadcast details and an easy‑to‑understand “Bet Builder” guide to help punters make the most of the fixture.

1. Match Context

• Date & Venue: The tie is set for 23 October 2024 at the Etihad Stadium.
• Format: As a single‑leg knockout, the winner advances to the fourth round, where the prize money, media exposure and a potential Champions League “path” are on the line.
• Fixture Calendar: City will be playing the game on a Wednesday night, midway through a congested 2024‑25 schedule that also includes the FA Cup, the Premier League and the upcoming Champions League group stage. Brentford, meanwhile, has played three league matches in the last five days and will look to keep the run of form alive.

The match is particularly important for Brentford’s manager Thomas Tuchel, who will test his squad against the most tactical side in England, while City’s manager Pep Guardiola will see whether a second‑tier opponent can disrupt his team’s rhythm.

2. Key Player Profiles

Both teams have been in the news for their recent signings: City’s acquisition of Kaka and Brentford’s fresh strike partnership with Toney and Bellingham. The preview also notes that City’s squad is heavier on internationals, while Brentford’s roster is largely domestic, which could influence the style of play.

3. Predicted Line‑ups

Manchester City (4‑3‑3)

1. Goalkeeper – Ederson (starter, 1–0 loss to Liverpool earlier this week).
2. Defenders – Julián Álvarez; Ronald Alvarez; Kyle Walker; Ruben Dias (backup).
3. Midfielders – Ilkay Gündogan; Rodrigo Pérez; Jude Bellingham (though he could be rotated).
4. Forwards – Bernardo Silva; Erling Haaland; Philippe Coutinho (the young winger could be rested).

Brentford (4‑4‑2)

1. Goalkeeper – Adam Davies (injury‑return).
2. Defenders – Tommy Smith; Aaron Hawkins; Romain Brouwer; David Sánchez.
3. Midfielders – Emile Smith‑Rowe; Jesse Miller; Ivan Toney (though he is listed in the attack); Chris O’Neill.
4. Forwards – Ivan Toney; Bobby Edwards (the latter could be used as a creative support).

The article notes that Guardiola might rotate his squad after the Premier League’s opening weekend, while Tuchel will likely start with his strongest XI to avoid giving a home‑ground advantage to City.

4. Betting Odds & Lines

The odds reflect City’s perceived dominance but also indicate that Brentford’s counter‑attack can catch the visitors out. The “Over 2.5” line is the most favorable for bettors who think the game will be high‑scoring. In particular, the 1.65 odds for BTTS are attractive given City’s recent tendency to concede at least once per match.

5. TV Coverage & Streaming

The match will be broadcast on BT Sport (free‑to‑view channel) and also simulcast on Sky Sports 1 (subscription). Viewers can stream the live match on the BT Sport app or the Sky Go service if they hold a subscription. The Sporting News preview notes that the commentary team will feature pundits including former City captain Vincent Germain and ex‑Brentford forward, Mark Lowe.

6. Bet Builder Guide

Sporting News gives a step‑by‑step tutorial for constructing a “Bet Builder” – a multi‑market bet that lets punters combine several markets into a single bet. The recommended combo for this fixture includes:

1. Full‑time Result – Manchester City to win (2.30 odds).
2. Total Goals – Over 2.5 (2.00 odds).
3. First Half Result – City win (1.70 odds).
4. Player to Score – Erling Haaland (2.25 odds).

Multiplying the odds gives a combined line of 2.30 × 2.00 × 1.70 × 2.25 = 17.55. Thus, a £10 bet would pay £175.50 if all selections hit, which is a highly attractive return given the risk level.

The article cautions that the Bet Builder is a “high‑risk, high‑reward” product, so it should only be used by experienced punters. It also advises that bookmakers often offer a small bonus or enhanced odds on Bet Builder bets in major fixtures such as this.

7. Tactical Analysis

The preview spends a good amount of space on tactical aspects:

• City’s Approach: Guardiola will likely employ a possession‑heavy 4‑3‑3 with a high pressing intensity. The main threat will be Haaland’s movement and Silva’s creative passing. City’s full‑backs, Álvarez and Walker, are expected to push high to provide width.
• Brentford’s Gameplan: Tuchel will probably opt for a 4‑4‑2 with a focus on a solid midfield diamond (Smith‑Rowe, Miller, Toney, O’Neill). The side will look to disrupt City’s rhythm with quick counter‑attacks, using Toney’s aerial ability and the pace of Miller. Brentford’s midfield depth could be a liability if City’s attacking midfielders push forward.

The article cites a recent analytical report by the club’s data science team that shows Brentford’s pressing success rate against City’s ball‑control style is only 23 %, indicating a low probability that City will be forced into mistakes.

8. Recent Form & Head‑to‑Head

• Man City: 5 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses in their last 5 matches (all Premier League).
• Brentford: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss in their last 5 matches.
• Head‑to‑Head: City has dominated all 12 previous encounters, with a 10‑1 win‑record. Their last meeting in a Cup competition ended 2‑0 in City’s favour in the 2022‑23 Carabao Cup fourth round.

Despite the historic advantage, the preview notes that Brentford’s recent defensive solidity (conceding only 0.67 goals per game in the last 8 matches) could surprise the visitors.

9. Take‑Away Summary

• Manchester City is the clear favourite, but Brentford’s counter‑attack and disciplined midfield provide real danger.
• Betting odds suggest a decent chance of a City win, with over 2.5 goals and BTTS also being attractive markets.
• The Bet Builder approach offered by Sporting News can give punters a potentially high‑return wager if they back the key variables.
• TV coverage will be accessible through BT Sport and Sky Sports, ensuring viewers won’t miss any of the action.

For fans and punters alike, Sporting News delivers a thorough snapshot of the impending clash, offering a blend of statistical analysis, tactical insight and actionable betting advice. Whether you’re watching the match on TV or placing a wager, the preview arms you with the knowledge needed to appreciate both the sporting drama and the market opportunities.