Meanwhile, the Bees must pull off an upset against the reigning Premier League champions if they are to enter the World Cup in the top half of the table.
Team News
Manchester City
- Guardiola is expected to make several changes to the team that defeated Chelsea, including striker Erling Braut Haaland, who was an unused substitute in midweek.
- Despite an impressive performance in goal against the Blues, Stefan Ortega is expected to be replaced by first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, with John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Joao Cancelo – the latter of whom is available after serving a one-match. ban – forming the back four.
- Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden could also start, with Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, and Jack Grealish potentially dropping to the bench.
- After recovering from shoulder surgery, Kalvin Phillips came off the bench in the second half against Chelsea to make his first City appearance in eight weeks, and the midfielder will be hoping for more minutes on Saturday. Meanwhile, Kyle Walker is still out as he recovers from groin surgery.
Brentford
- Brentford will be without Pontus Jansson (hamstring), Aaron Hickey, Thomas Strakosha (both ankle), Kristoffer Ajer, Charlie Goode (both knee), Vitaly Janelt (both muscle), and Shandon Baptiste (both muscle) due to injuries.
- To counter Man City’s threat, Frank may opt for a back five, with Ben Mee set to return at centre-back alongside Ethan Pinnock and Mathias Jorgensen, and Mads Roerslev and Rico Henry set to operate as wing-backs.
- Mathias Jensen, Christian Norgaard, and Josh Dasilva could form a three-man midfield, while Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo is expected to partner Toney in attack.
Possible Lineup
Manchester City: Ederson; Stones, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Bernardo, Haaland, Foden.
Brentford: Raya; Jorgensen, Mee, Pinnock; Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Dasilva, Henry; Mbeumo, Toney; Mbeumo, Toney
Prediction Analysis
Man City came away with all three points after dominating both meetings with Brentford last season, and the Citizens will be heavy favorites to win again at the Etihad this weekend.
The Bees have looked vulnerable defensively in recent away games, and chances of keeping a clean sheet against Guardiola’s side are slim, especially if goal machine Haaland returns.
Manchester City 3-0 Brentford is our prediction.