Early team news: Erling Haaland's status among leaked information for Manchester City vs Brentford (Premier League)

Manchester City welcome Brentford to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Pep Guardiola's side return to Premier League action after the international break.

The reigning Premier League champions will be hoping to continue their 100% winning start to the 2024/25 season with another win this weekend, in a game that marks the start of an intense period in the league for Guardiola's team.

Before facing Thomas Frank's side, Manchester City had won three of their first three Premier League games, scoring nine goals, including two consecutive hat-tricks from Erling Haaland.

A 2-0 opening weekend win against Enzo Maresca's star-studded Chelsea side was followed by a devastating performance from the Norwegian, who scored three goals in a 4-1 home win over Ipswich Town before doing the same in a 3-1 away victory at West Ham United.

Brentford are also in good form, winning two of their first three games but losing to Liverpool at Anfield. They have also played one more game than City in the regular season, beating Colchester United in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

As for the hosts this weekend, Manchester City are likely to have just one new injury concern to contend with after Nathan Ake was stretchered off the pitch with an apparent muscle injury sustained on international duty with the Netherlands.

Oscar Bobb remains unavailable for this match after breaking a bone in his leg during Manchester City's training ahead of their Premier League opener against Chelsea in early August.

Ahead of the release of confirmed team news from the Etihad Stadium this weekend, initial information from journalists and sources regarding Manchester City's starting lineup leaked out on social media.

According to information from the FPL Newsletter on X, Erling Haaland will play for Manchester City against Brentford, although his availability was questioned due to the tragic loss of a close family friend earlier this week.

Pep Guardiola and Thomas Frank are expected to confirm their respective starting lineups for Manchester City and Brentford at around 1.45pm (UK) on Saturday afternoon.

Refresh for updates.