Manchester City’s streak of perfection was brought to a close at the weekend as they were held by Chelsea, but the Premier League champions have no time to dwell on that result as Brentford roll into town on Tuesday night.
City’s vulnerabilities manifested against the Blues, who took the lead through former favourite Raheem Sterling, but they battled back to earn a point despite Erling Haaland uncharacteristically missing a hatful of chances.
Saturday’s draw means that Pep Guardiola’s side can only move up to second should they win their game in hand on Tuesday night, against a Brentford side who are struggling to make the same kind of impression this season.
Ivan Toney’s return has provided Thomas Frank with a big boost, resulting in four goals in five games, but injuries to Bryan Mbeumo, Rico Henry and others have noticeably upset the apple cart.
Here’s how City could line up, looking to take advantage of a side who won at the Etihad the last time the two sides met in Manchester.
GK: Ederson – The Brazilian hasn’t exactly enjoyed the cleanest few weeks, especially in possession, but he remains an undisputed starter.
CB: Kyle Walker – The veteran defender has also struggled somewhat as of late after an excellent start to the season. Still. Guardiola will likely continue to trust Walker.
CB: Ruben Dias – Guardiola could alter his defensive configuration considerably in midweek, but leader Dias is unlikely to be taken out.
CB: Nathan Ake – Josko Gvardiol’s injury means Dutchman Ake is almost a sure bet to retain his place.
CM: John Stones – The Englishman’s minutes have been carefully managed since returning from injury, but he could return to a midfield function against the Bees after he was an unused substitute at the weekend.
CM: Rodri – Rodri was City’s saviour yet again on Saturday as he netted the equaliser to salvage a point against Chelsea. The Spaniard is a shoo-in.
RM: Bernardo Silva – Bernardo’s influence has somewhat waned this term, but he’s set to come back into the team on Tuesday night having earned minutes off the bench last time out.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – It was a rare unproductive outing for De Bruyne on Saturday as he failed to notch a goal contribution in City’s draw.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – Julian Alvarez’s recent indifference means the Argentine could drop out of the side. Instead, Guardiola is set to opt for greater security by including the Croatian in midfield.
LM: Phil Foden – Foden starred in the reverse fixture, netting a hat-trick in the 3-1 win. He’s emerged as a prominent figure for the Cityzens and he could perform a slightly different role in midweek after Jeremy Doku’s frustrating outing against the Blues.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland will be aiming to make amends after missing a hatful of chances last time out.
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