Manchester City vs Brentford Preview & Tips – Manchester City backed to move into EFL Cup semi-finals

By Ben Darvill

15 Dec 2025

Ben Darvill 15 Dec 2025

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City are unbeaten in their last five against Brentford (W4, D1)
Brentford have seen over 2.5 goals scored in their last two EFL Cup matches
Preview, stats & head to head

Phil Foden of Manchester City (Getty Images)

Manchester City vs Brentford Preview & Tips
Head to Head
Manchester City Form
Brentford Form

Manchester City vs Brentford Preview & Tips

Manchester City are edging closer to being the first side to lift a trophy this season, with a shot at the EFL Cup creeping closer.

Brentford arrive as major underdogs for their EFL Cup quarter-final against City, but they will know that they have the quality to give their opponents some real issues.

Two of the last three meetings between the sides have seen over 2.5 goals scored
City have won four of their last five against Brentford (D1)

Head to Head

In their last 10 meetings, City have secured six wins, with Brentford winning three times and one game ending as a draw.

Manchester City Form

Despite starting the new season with a few blips across the Premier League and Champions League, Manchester City are still on course to secure a number of trophies this year.

The EFL Cup poses the first competitive trophy on offer each season, and City will be eyeing up securing the silverware in the new year. With a Brentford side that have been misfiring of late in their way, the home side arrive as the big favourites, especially when considering their five-game unbeaten run against their opponents.

However, they can take little for granted. Their last three wins against Brentford have been by a single goal, while they were held by their opponents as recently as January. With this in mind, I predict that the two sides will throw some punches as neither keeps a clean sheet. City have been shaky at the back of late, and I predict that they will share in a game with over 2.5 goals.

Brentford Form

Brentford know they are right up against it heading into this one, with a trip to the Etihad Stadium still arguably the most daunting away game in English football.

Wins over Bournemouth (2-0), Aston Villa (2-1) and Grimsby (5-0) has seen Brentford eliminate two Premier League opponents before their blowout against Grimsby. All things considered, Brentford have been in great form in the EFL Cup.

However, they now take on a team that will be the pick of many to win the competition this season. Despite being the underdogs, Brentford will want to prove they are not here to simply make up the numbers. I back them to get on the scoresheet as they ruffle a few feathers, but I do not predict they will beat their hosts.

Verdict

Man City v Brentford

I am backing City to win this one as they shade an entertaining clash in which over 2.5 goals are scored.

City Win & Over 2.5

Match Result & Total Goals

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