(Football news) Reigning champions Manchester City will aim to return to the top of the Premier League table (even if it’s just for a few hours) with a win over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium. If they wish to finish in the top half of the league table before the World Cup break, Brentford will need to pull off an upset against Pep Guardiola’s side but it seems unlikely as City have a 16 game unbeaten run at their home stadium, scoring 61 goals in the process. The Citizens defeated Fulham 2-1 last weekend with goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.
City are currently two points behind leaders Arsenal and will hope that the Gunners slip up against Wolverhampton Wanderers in order to take the top spot. Guardiola’s side defeated Brentford both home and away last season without conceding a single goal but have never claimed three successive league wins against the Bees in 10 meetings. Brentford drew 2-2 against Nottingham Forest last weekend and suffered a defeat to League two outfit Gillingham on Tuesday night. The Bees have slipped to 11th place in the Premier League with only three wins in 14 matches and will be looking for their first win over Manchester City since 1937.
In team news, Erling Braut Haaland, who was an unused substitute last week could return to the starting lineup along with goalkeeper Ederson while John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Joao Cancelo could make up the back four. The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden while Cole Palmer, Mahrez and Jack Grealish could be dropped to the bench. Kalvin Phillips might be featured after recovering from his shoulder surgery and coming off the bench against Chelsea but Kyle Walker remains sidelined.
As for Brentford, the likes of Pontus Jansson (hamstring), Aaron Hickey, Thomas Strakosha (both ankle), Kristoffer Ajer, Charlie Goode (both knee) and Shandon Baptiste (muscle) are ruled out until after the World Cup. Thomas Frank might go for five at the back to neutralize City’s attack with Ben Mee expected to return at centre-back alongside Ethan Pinnock and Mathias Jorgensen, while Mads Roerslev and Rico Henry are set to operate as wing-backs. Vitaly Janelt will be available for selection after recovering from a minor muscle injury and will compete with Mathias Jensen, Christian Norgaard and Josh Dasilva for a midfield place. A straightforward victory for Manchester City is the most likely result from this fixture.
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