Manchester City are hoping to end their 2021 on a positive note as they lock horns with Brentford on Wednesday. The reigning English champions have secured a healthy six-point lead at the top of the table, but with Chelsea breathing down their necks and Liverpool having a game in hand, there will be no margin of error for Pep Guardiola’s men this midweek.
Predicted Manchester City Lineup Vs Brentford
Defence
Kyle Walker remains a doubt for the away side due to his fitness problems. In addition, Man City had to cope without John Stones against Leicester City due to a knock. Both of the defenders are doubts heading into this game, which could be a major blow for Guardiola.
Unfortunately, the Catalan may have no option but to persist with Joao Cancelo at right-back. With Benjamin Mendy suspended, Oleksandr Zinchenko remains another guaranteed starter in the Manchester City backline.
Pep’s rotation policy, though, could see Nathan Ake replacing Aymeric Laporte at centre-back. The Dutch international is expected to operate at the heart of the City backline alongside Ruben Dias, as they look to cover Ederson in goal.
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Midfield
Rodri remains a doubt for Manchester City after missing the last game against Leicester City. He is having fitness problems as well, meaning we could once again see Fernandinho occupying his role in holding midfield.
The veteran Brazilian is expected to be accompanied by Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, although Guardiola does have the option to deploy Bernardo Silva, in case he favours any change.
Attack
Meanwhile, in the offensive unit, Ferran Torres remains the only real absence, meaning Guardiola will have the privilege of choosing from an almost fully fit Man City attack.
Silva was the one to spearhead the attack against Leicester, but we are expecting Gabriel Jesus to replace him. The Brazilian international is expected to operate out wide, with Phil Foden primarily attacking from the middle.
As for the left-wing role, Jack Grealish remains a favourite to replace Raheem Sterling, even though the latter scored twice in the 6-3 win over Leicester City on Boxing Day.
