Up next for Manchester City is a trip to the GTech Community Stadium to face Brentford. It looms as a potentially key Premier League match with Arsenal taking on Liverpool later today and depending on that result Manchester City may be presented with the opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table on Monday night.
But Brentford will be no pushover. Thomas Frank’s side beat the reigning champions twice last season and will fancy themselves at home against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola revealed during his pre-game press conference that he has a full squad to pick from. It is welcome news for the world champions as they face a busy month ahead.
Manuel Akanji has recovered from a knee injury he suffered against Huddersfield Town. The versatile defender’s recovery from injury is a huge bonus for Pep Guardiola. Akanji brings versatility and quality to the City defence and he has been invaluable during his time at the club.
The City manager also revealed that Erling Haaland is ready to start after his return from injury. The striker returned to the pitch during City’s 3-1 win over Burnley and will be eager to impress if he starts against Brentford.
With Julian Alvarez scoring a brace against Burnley he may keep his spot in the starting lineup. Pep Guardiola could elect to start both Alvarez and Haaland in a bid to knock off Brentford.
Predicted City starting eleven
Ederson: City’s number one keeper picks himself. There seems no reason for him not to start against Brentford.
Kyle Walker: The City captain was rested against Burnley. Given Brentford’s pace on the counter Walker’s pace may be required to stifle that threat.
Ruben Dias: Another defender who was rested last week. Given the threat of Ivan Toney, it appears the perfect game for Dias to start.
Nathan Ake: Another player who picks himself on form. Ake has been in scintillating form recently and should start this one.
Josko Gvardiol: Gvardiol seems a lock for the left-back position. He has quietly gone about his business lately and has made the position his own.
Rodri: It is a no-brainer that Rodri will start. He scored a fine goal against Burnley and is an automatic selection for Pep Guardiola.
Bernardo Silva: City’s inspirational midfielder was another who was rested against Burnley. Given the importance of Monday night’s game, he should be back in the starting eleven given his importance to the team.
Phil Foden: He may line up on the left-hand side here to accommodate Alvarez and Haaland. Wherever he plays he’s a threat and he appears certain to start here.
Kevin De Bruyne: The City legend was outstanding against Burnley. De Bruyne has returned from Injury with a vengeance and should start again.
Julian Alvarez: Scored a brace against Burnley and on form, he should start again. It could be the game Pep unleashes the Haaland/Alvarez partnership given the form of the Argentinian striker.
Erling Haaland: Pep Guardiola declared Haaland ready to start during his pre-game press conference. It seems the perfect stage to unleash Haaland given the importance of the game.
