A resurgent Manchester City will seek a fourth win on the spin with a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford in the Premier League.
The Sky Blues battered Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup third round at the weekend, building up on recent Premier League wins against Leicester City and West Ham United. A James McAtee hat-trick, Jeremy Doku brace and strikes from Jack Grealish, Divin Mubama and Nico O’Reilly completed Salford’s mauling.
A different challenge will be on the cards in midweek, though, Pep Guardiola’s side should be heading into the game as favourites at Brentford, who were shocked by Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup third round.
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City captain Kyle Walker is a doubt for the clash against Brentford due to him requesting a transfer out of the club, Pep Guardiola has revealed.
The Sky Blues’ four injury casualties—Rodri (ACL), Ruben Dias (calf), Oscar Bobb (leg) or John Stones (foot) will not return for the trip to Brentford.
Predicted Manchester City lineup vs Brentford (4-1-4-1)
Goalkeeper
Stefan Ortega will return in goal after Ederson started against Salford City at the weekend. The German will be raring to keep a clean sheet after narrowly missing out against West Ham.
Defence
Pep Guardiola is expected to recall a number of key Man City players for the trip to west London. Starting with Rico Lewis, who should fulfil the right-back duties on Tuesday in the potential absence of Walker, with Josko Gvardiol reclaiming his left-back spot.
Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake are likely to resume their central defensive partnership after each playing a half each in the FA Cup tie.
Midfield
Mateo Kovacic should act as a shield in front of the back four, trying to dictate the tempo of play with his passing skills. Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva should be fresh to start in advanced midfield roles after being unused substitutes against Salford in the FA Cup.
The troika have the qualities to dominate proceedings and unlock Brentford’s defence. Ilkay Gundogan should drop to the bench along with Saturday’s hat-trick hero James McAtee.
Attack
Phil Foden should be raring to get on the scoresheet again after scoring in the 4-1 win over West Ham in City’s last Premier League game. Savinho has been in good nick of late and deserves to start out wide, with Erling Haaland leading the attack as usual.
Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish and Matheus Nunes could come off the bench in the second half when required.
