Can ‘Blue Moon’ Continue to Rise against Buzzing Bees?

Brentford vs Manchester Ciity

This is a game I once billed as the Premier League’s ultimate mismatch.

It was a description I used with total respect as it simply highlighted the different stratosphere these two clubs operate in.

It was the first season for more than 70 years that Brentford had been in English football’s top flight, whereas Manchester City had just been crowned champions of England for the third time in four years, helped by the financial backing of billionaires from the United Arab Emirates.

Since then, City have gone onto claim three more titles in a row.

Yet despite the difference in resource, the Bees’ rise and subsequent ability to unsettle those above them, has not only led to national admiration – this SBOTOP observer is amongst their many admirers – but means you cannot rule out them creating Premier League 2025 highlights against the reigning champions.

Talking Points 

Brentford come into this encounter following their first away league victory of the campaign.

It was a rout too as they hit five without reply at bottom club Southampton.

Thomas Frank’s men had previously picked up just two league points on the road, the joint lowest tally in the top flight matched only by the Saints.

That was changed emphatically against a woeful Southampton, recording their biggest-ever Premier League win and their biggest victory in the top flight since 1938.

It was a result which leaves them comfortably in midtable which is a fine achievement in itself for a club of such stature.

Their FA Cup reverse to Plymouth at the weekend, when Frank rested a lot of his regular starting XI, highlighted how league status is clearly a priority.

The expectation levels are far different at City, of course. After all, they have been kings of England six times in the past seven years.

They won’t be this year mind.

After a quite unexpected end to the calendar year – until their December 29 victory at Leicester, City had won just once in 13 games in league and cup – they are playing catch-up.

The question now, is can the Blue Moon rise again in 2025?

They certainly were more like their old selves at home to West Ham last weekend when they ran out 4-1 victors.

A tricky trip to Brentford last season underlined their title credentials as they came from behind to win. A repeat on Tuesday would be a step closer to suggesting their so-called crisis spell is behind them.

History

Only 20 times in history have these sides met – and until three years ago – they had not met in the top flight since 1937 (on that occasion, a 2-1 Brentford success in the former Division One).

They then didn’t meet in the league for 70 years – March 1951 to be precise in the then Division Two – when Brentford were 2-0 winners.

Four cup meetings followed, including three in the calendar year of 1989.

In January 1989, the Bees were 3-1 winners over City in the fourth round of the FA Cup, a triumph they matched in the League Cup in September 89, although City won the second round second leg and, with it, the two legged-tie 5-3 on aggregate.

Then in 1997 in the FA Cup third round, Nicky Summerbee netted the only goal in a 1-0 City win.

Overall, City have 12 triumphs, Brentford seven victories and there has been one draw in their clashes.

City have won the last three, including both matches last season by narrow margins as they locked horns twice in a fortnight.

Phil Foden grabbed a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture, a 3-1 success after Neal Maupay had given the Bees a shock lead.

Erling Haaland then scored the only goal of the contest at the Etihad Stadium a few weeks later.

Earlier this season, a Haaland double won the day in Manchester after Yoane Wiss headed Brentford into a shock first minute lead.

Until a few months ago and that run of lowly form, Brentford were the last visiting team to win at the Etihad Stadium in all competitions; a 2-1 victory in the Premier League in November 2022 when Ivan Toney grabbed a last-gasp winner.

Betting Tip  

City are odds to win again in this fixture.

Our Premier League 2025 betting odds have them priced 1X2 @ 1.53 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.95, while the Bees are on offer 1X2 @ 4.75 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 1.95.

A draw may be a good bet, and it’s certainly an appealing one @ 4.21.

So is a repeat of the scoreline from last season when Foden netted a treble en route to being named footballer of the year. Correct Score 1-3 will pay out @10.50.

I expect goals, and so do our odds judging by the fact over 3.25 of them is an option at a relatively low @ 1.96.

I think City will edge this fixture.

 

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