Predicted Manchester City lineup vs Brentford

Manchester City seek an immediate return to winning ways in the Premier League when they welcome Brentford to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Sky Blues’ 11-game triumphant streak came to an end on Saturday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea, which left them four points adrift of table-toppers Liverpool with a game in hand.

As frustrating as the game against Chelsea was, the treble winners at least extended their unbeaten home run in the Premier League to 23 matches. They are now playing catch-up in the Premier League title race and Pep Guardiola will want to see a rousing response from his boys against Brentford, who were smashed 4-1 by Liverpool last time around.

Manchester City Team News

Neither Josko Gvardiol (ankle) nor Jack Grealish (groin) were able to take part in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, and the pair are expected to remain in the treatment room for another couple of weeks. However, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Gomez both passed late fitness tests to make the bench, and the former came on as a second-half substitute on the evening.

Predicted Manchester City lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper

Ederson failed to keep a clean sheet against Chelsea but made some crucial saves to help Man City clinch a point. Unsurprisingly, the Brazilian should retain his place in goal for Brentford’s visit to the Etihad Stadium.

Defence

In defence, John Stones and Rico Lewis should come into Pep Guardiola’s thinking due to the quick turnaround. Stones may join Ruben Dias in the heart of Man City’s defence, while Lewis gets the nod ahead of Kyle Walker at right-back. Meanwhile, Nathan Ake will keep his place intact at left-back.

In possession, Stones could step into midfield and help the hosts dominate the ball against Thomas Frank’s side. Man City’s defensive quartet must match the aerial prowess and physicality of Brentford and try to win the second balls as much as possible.

Midfield

Rodri is an automatic pick in Guardiola’s starting XI. The Spaniard, who scored a late equaliser against Chelsea, will be looking to take control of the game quickly and dictate terms from the No.6 role.

Matheus Nunes and Kevin de Bruyne could join Rodri in the engine room and should try to create goal-scoring opportunities for the forwards.

Attack

Despite missing a glut of chances against Chelsea, Erling Haaland is likely to be picked again to lead the attack. The Norwegian will be desperate to get himself on the scoresheet against a leaky Brentford defence.

Haaland will be flanked by Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva, with Jeremy Doku and Julian Alvarez dropping to the bench after ineffective outings on Saturday. Foden and Silva’s creativity and movement, as well as link-up play with the midfielders, could make life difficult for the Brentford defenders.