Trio return, Grealish call, Haaland decision - Man City team predicted ahead of Brentford clash

Man City return to Premier League action this afternoon as they take on Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.

The visit of the Bees kickstarts a busy run of seven fixtures between now and the October international break, as Pep Guardiola's side navigate matches in the Premier League, as well as the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

City were hit with the blow they will be without Nathan Ake until after the international break but they are buoyed by the return of Phil Foden.

With all that in mind, Manchester Evening News writers have picked the starting XI they feel City should field against Thomas Frank's side.

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This is probably the most difficult selection of the season given the number of fringe players that have impressed while the senior stars haven't been at full fitness.

I'd be hesitant to make too many changes despite the return of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden because everyone else has been so good.

Rodri would be the one that I would bring back in the midfield after his hour for Spain, with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in the middle. Rico Lewis feels too good to drop at the moment, and as long as he's fit enough I'd bring Savinho back to try and stretch the right and allow Lewis to come inside.

Grealish should be feeling good about himself after scoring for England and he can play a similar role to the one he did against West Ham, linking well with De Bruyne and Silva. Up front, if Haaland is feeling up to it he's easily the best choice.

Simon's City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri,