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A sense of normalcy has finally returned to Manchester’s sky blue side, with City hunting their fourth-straight win in all competitions.
After back-to-back Premier League wins either side of New Year’s Day, City delivered a display and result of their ruthless vintage at the weekend, Beat Salford 8–0 in the third round of the FA Cup.
Saturday’s win isn’t a major indicator that City will be challenging again any time soon, but there’s no denying that high spirits are starting to return to the Etihad. Pep Guardiola may even have a few shiny new toys to play with before the month is out.
Next up is a trip to mid-table Brentford team Tuesday night. Here’s how Citi can line up on Gtech.
GK: Stefan Ortega – It looks like Ortega has claimed number one duties alongside Ederson in the Cup on Saturday. It was the work of a German.
RB: Rico Lewis – Kyle Walker may have played his last game for the club Guardiola confirms the veteran defender wants out. Louis is his successor.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The Swiss defender is an option for Guardiola at right-back, but will start centrally for the time being while John Stones and Ruben Dias are out.
CB: Nathan AK Guardiola desperately needs Ake to be fit at the heart of his defense given City’s precarious injury situation. The Sky Blues are the better team with the Dutchman in the XI.
LB: Josko Guardiol It has been a mixed season for Guardiola so far, and he will have enjoyed his breather at the weekend ahead of a busy conclusion to January.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – City are currently bereft of someone who can dominate defensive transition with Rodry out, so Brentford will fancy their chances on the counter-attack through Brian Mbuyomo and Yoan Visa. Expect Kovacic to draw two tactical fouls at the base of midfield.
RM: Savinho – The Brazilian is starting to come into his own in a City shirt, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he turns his recent success in west London to the left.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – De Bruyne is certainly not the player he once was, but he will benefit from the weekend heading into Tuesday’s game. The Belgian is still capable of unpicking deep, compact defences, with his balls striking from distance as a potential source of goals on Tuesday.
AM: Phil Foden – While De Bruyne supplies the destruction, Foden provides the finesse and finesse required to work in and around Brentford’s deep defensive blocks. The Englishman scored in his previous Premier League outing.
Champions League: Jeremy Docu – After recording a brace at the weekend, Doku should retain his place in Guardiola’s XI, although Jack Grealish finally broke his goal drought.
ST: Erling Haaland – Devin Mbama is unlikely to steal any minutes Holland In the second half of the season, but potential new arrival Omar Marmoush might. The Nordic forward was excellent in the reverse fixture, scoring twice after Brentford opened the scoring within 22 seconds.
