Manchester City vs. Brentford – preview and prediction – team news, and lineups
Match preview
Riyad Mahrez returned from the Africa Cup of Nations with a bang, despite Algeria’s continental heartbreak. The former Leicester City striker was in fine form to assist Pep Guardiola’s side convincingly defeat Fulham in the FA Cup.
Following goals from Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones in the first half, Mahrez scored twice after the break, forcing Man City to come from behind on their own ground after Liverpool target Fabio Carvalho broke the deadlock after just four minutes.
Visiting Peterborough United will face Man City in the fifth round as they attempt to keep their historic treble chances alive, albeit a 1-1 draw against Southampton before the international break has made the title battle more competitive.
Brentford’s impressive start to their first-ever Premier League season has since been overshadowed by a run of red, and their fortunes did not improve in the FA Cup against a Frank Lampard-managed Everton side.
Brentford were eliminated in the fourth round with a whimper, thanks to goals from Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate, Richarlison, and Andros Townsend. The focus now shifts to trying to break a concerning losing streak in the Premier League before the possibility of a relegation dogfight arises.
Brentford’s 4-1 loss against Everton was their fifth in a row in all competitions, and they’ve also lost each of their past four in the Premier League, leaving Thomas Frank’s team in 14th place in the table, eight points clear of the dotted line.
Team News
Cole Palmer, who would not have started anyhow, and Gabriel Jesus are the only two likely absentees for City’s travel to Brentford this week.
If he can shake off niggles after international duty, Jesus might earn a spot on the bench, while Ederson prepares to take over in goal from Zack Steffen.
In front of the Brazilian, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte are expected to reunite, with Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva also expected to return.
Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa of Brentford were both ruled out of the match against Everton after testing positive for COVID-19, but they could return in time to face the champions.
That is more than can be said for Mathias Jorgensen, Tarique Fosu, and Julian Jeanvier, while Christian Eriksen, the club’s newest addition, is unlikely to be given the green light just yet.
After a disappointing afternoon in the cup, Frank will almost probably consider restoring Frank Onyeka and Shandon Baptiste to the XI, while David Raya’s return to goal has been warmly welcomed. After his international stint with Jamaica, Ethan Pinnock should also be reintroduced.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Foden, Sterling
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Raya; Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock; Canos, Norgaard, Onyeka, Jensen, Henry; Toney, Mbeumo
Our Predictions: Over 2.5 Goals
Brentford may start to look over their shoulder if this game goes as planned, after the highs of beating Arsenal on an opening day and the current scenario they find themselves in.
The Bees can’t seem to close up shop when they’re away from home, and they’ll be facing a Man City team in imperious form as they chase the title, so another easy win is on the cards for the champs in midweek.
Recommended Predictions:
• Newcastle vs. Everton
• West Ham United vs. Watford
• Burnley vs. Man Utd
