In their last outing, Pep Guardiola's side saw their impressive 11-game winning streak come to an end in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, while Brentford suffered a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool.
Manchester City's star striker Erling Haaland had a frustrating day, missing opportunities in their clash with Chelsea, which failed to check up to the high-scoring encounter of their previous meeting three months ago.
Although Raheem Sterling managed to put Chelsea ahead, Manchester City fought back with a deflected goal from Rodri. Despite their efforts to secure all three points, they were unable to break the deadlock, marking their first game without a win since their draw with Crystal Palace in December.
As a result of Saturday's draw, Manchester City now find themselves trailing in the Premier League title race, sitting in third place. While a victory against Brentford would help them regain the second spot from Arsenal, Liverpool currently holds a four-point lead at the top of the table.
Despite the frustration of failing to secure a win, Manchester City extended their unbeaten home record in the Premier League to 23 matches and their scoring streak at the Etihad to 45 games. However, memories of their last Premier League home defeat, inflicted by Liverpool, still linger.
Brentford, who suffered multiple injuries in their recent match against Liverpool, are facing their own challenges. Despite their scoring streak in the league, they suffered their eighth defeat in ten Premier League matches and remain at risk of being pulled deeper into the relegation battle.
However, their past success against Manchester City, including a shock victory last year, provides some consolation amidst their struggles.
The upcoming match will be a chance for both teams to redeem themselves, with Brentford hoping to replicate their previous victories against Guardiola's side, while Manchester City aims to get back on track in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Before their draw with Chelsea, Manchester City's treatment room saw some activity, with Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol sidelined due to groin and ankle injuries respectively. Both players are expected to continue their recovery for another couple of weeks.However, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Gomez managed to pass late fitness tests, with Silva being the only substitute for the hosts during the match, coming on for Julian Alvarez after an hour of play.
Considering the quick turnaround between games, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Rico Lewis, and Matheus Nunes are all likely to be in manager Pep Guardiola's plans. After a frustrating game against Chelsea where Manchester City had numerous shots without success, Erling Haaland will be eager to make amends in the upcoming match.
On the other hand, Brentford didn't face any new injuries in their recent match against Liverpool. Frank Onyeka and Yoane Wissa returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty, boosting Brentford's lineup.
However, defender Ethan Pinnock was sidelined with an ankle injury before the game and is expected to be out until after the March international break. Several other players, including Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, Kevin Schade, Aaron Hickey, and Bryan Mbeumo, are also recovering from injuries, with Hickey and Schade potentially returning by the end of the month.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Stones, Ake; Rodri, Nunes; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Mee; Lewis-Potter, Janelt, Jensen, Norgaard, Reguilon; Toney, Wissa
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 3-0 Brentford
Both teams have limited time to recover between matches, but Manchester City just needs to be a bit more clinical than they were against Chelsea to regain their momentum. A repeat of their previous victory against Brentford with a similar scoreline is definitely within reach for City.
