Manchester City are again in action tonight as they host Brentford in Premier League action at the Etihad Stadium.
After Saturday’s draw against Chelsea, the champions will be desperate for three points. A win will put Pep Guardiola’s side one point behind league leaders Liverpool. The champions will be desperate to get a win at home and keep the pressure on Liverpool and Arsenal in this season’s title race.
The world champions beat Brentford earlier this month with a 3-1 win at the GTech Community Stadium. A Phil Foden hat trick was enough to secure City all three points on that occasion.
It may take similar heroics from someone in a City shirt tonight to beat Thomas Frank’s side. Brentford did beat the champions at the Etihad last season so a big game awaits tonight.
Manchester City injury news
Pep Guardiola revealed pre-game that only Josko Gvardiol and Jack Grealish would be unavailable for tonight’s match. The pair are facing a couple of weeks on the sidelines as they recover from ankle and groin injuries respectively.
It is a boost for the treble winners to have almost a full squad to choose from. Pep Guardiola will need his entire squad available as City fight their way through a busy section of their schedule.
Predicted Manchester City starting eleven
Ederson: Returned to his best against Chelsea and his contribution helped City fight back to earn a point against Chelsea. Appears to be an obvious selection.
Manuel Akanji: It’s a toss of the coin for me as to who will start at right-back between Akanji and Walker. I’ll go with Akanji who can do a job there with Walker to be rested for what lies ahead.
John Stones: Was rested against Chelsea and should start against Brentford. City missed his presence against Chelsea and he will be a welcome inclusion to the starting lineup if he’s selected tonight.
Ruben Dias: Is an automatic selection given Gvardiol’s injury. With Ake required at left-back Dias should start again tonight.
Nathan Ake: City’s Mr Reliable will almost certainly start at left-back tonight. In Gvardiol’s absence, I expect Ake to resume at left-back.
Rodri: An automatic selection. Rodri almost won the Chelsea game for City such was his influence on proceedings. Another big performance from Rodri will go a long way to three points for City.
Mateo Kovacic: Has missed City’s last three games but could return to the starting lineup here. His experience and technical ability will be needed in the run home.
Phil Foden: Scored a fabulous hat trick in City’s last match against Brentford. Wasn’t as involved against Chelsea but will be eager to make a mark tonight.
Julian Alvarez: It’s a toss-up between Alvarez and De Bruyne for tonight’s game. I think De Bruyne will be rested from starting duties which could see Alvarez play in the number 10 role which suits his game.
Bernardo Silva: The champions missed his influence against Chelsea. City looked better when came on in the second half and he should start tonight.
Erling Haaland: City’s number 9 should start tonight. He had an off performance against Chelsea and will be eager to make amends tonight. A fired-up Haaland could be crucial for Pep Guardiola’s side against Brentford’s low block.