The Premier League reigning champions, Manchester City are back in action against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in their Matchweek 23 clash on Monday night.
The hosts, Brentford, suffered a 3-2 away defeat to city rivals Tottenham Hotspur, failing to maintain momentum after taking the lead in the game. Coming off a victory over Nottingham Forest in their previous outing, this loss means they now have four losses in their last five league fixtures. The visitors, Manchester City, newly crowned world champions registered a convincing 3-1 win over bottom-placed Burnley, courtesy of Julian Alvarez’s brace in the midweek fixture. The Citizens have won all their last four league matches and boast a record of wins across all competitions, including FA Cup games.
The Bees are currently in 15th place on the points table, having amassed 22 points, and are just three points clear of the relegation zone. Halfway through the campaign, Thomas Frank’s side must strive to collect as many points as possible to avoid relegation. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side is in a strong position, amassing 46 points and having played one game less than most other teams, except for the Bees, of course. The title holders will aim to maintain their status as league leaders, having bounced back impressively from their recent challenges.
Brentford, who defeated the Manchester Giants in both legs last season, aims to pull off another upset against the toughest oppositions, leveraging their home advantage to secure a third successive win over City. For the Sky Blues, this is a crucial tie to narrow the points gap between the top two title challengers, Arsenal and Liverpool, who currently hold the top two spots on the table. Thus, this encounter promises to mark a significant turn in the title race.
When and Where?
Date: Monday, February, 2024.
Time: 20:00 HRS BST
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Jarred Gillett.
Assistants: Neil Davies & Darren Cann.
Fourth official: Stuart Attwell.
VAR official: Paul Tierney.
Assistant VAR: Con Hatzidakis.
TEAM NEWS
The Bees will feel the absence of Yoane Wissa, Frank Onyeka, and Saman Ghoddos, all away due to national team commitments. Additionally, the injury list includes the full-back duo of Rico Henry (knee) and Aaron Hickey (thigh), alongside attacking players Bryan Mbeumo (ankle) and Kevin Schade (groin), all of whom will be unavailable for Thomas Frank’s selection.
In the visitors’ camp, a string of injury woes has spared them, as Pep Guardiola will have a full-strength squad with no injuries. The successful recovery of Erling Haaland, Manuel Akanji, and Kevin De Bruyne will be a significant boost for the defending champions coming into this fixture, and for the crucial latter part of the season
MATCH ANALYSIS
The Danish boss is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation, continuing the tactical approach from the last three games. Mark Flekken is anticipated to be in goal, with a reliable back three comprising Ben Mee, Nathan Collins, and Ethan Pinnock. In midfield, a five-man unit with Sergio Reguilon, a winter arrival likely to start as the left wing-back and Mads Roerslev on the right. Both wing-backs will be tasked with covering the full length of the pitch on both ends.
The midfield duties will be handled by Mathias Jensen, who will start alongside Vitaly Janelt and Christian Norgaard. This trio will control the midfield, aiding in defense and facilitating offensive breaks. In attack, the clinical duo of Neal Maupay and Ivan Toney will aim to capitalize on scoring opportunities and challenge the visitors’ defense.
Pep Guardiola, recently crowned FIFA Best Manager 2023 in January for leading his team to a historic treble-winning campaign, will employ his tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation. Ederson is set to start in goal, with the back four expected to see a few changes given player availability; Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias are slated to return, joining Nathan Ake and John Stones in defense. In the midfield pivot, Rodri is expected to pair up with Matheus Nunes in front of the backline, aiming to nullify opposition attacks.
In the middle, the three-man midfield will see their ace Kevin De Bruyne team up alongside Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden on either side as wide midfielders right behind the inform centre-forward Julian Alvarez who’ll act as sole striker dropping at times to create chances and to score goals.
KEY PLAYERS
Ivan Toney
Brentford’s skipper Ivan Toney, missed the first half of the season due to an 8-month suspension but returned to lead Brentford’s offensive line. The 27-year-old striker has maintained his form despite the prolonged absence, making a remarkable return against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur by scoring two goals in as many games in January.
The English marksman is among the most sought-after names in the Premier League and valued at a £100 million price tag, is being linked with a move to the Gunners for the summer. Having scored 32 goals in 64 Premier League appearances for the Bees, these next six months might be his last at Brentford. Toney will be determined to give his all and aims to extend his scoring spree against the champions.
MUST READ: Ivan Toney vs Tottenham Hotspur: Individual Performance Analysis
Kevin De Bruyne
For the Citizens, their talismanic captain Kevin De Bruyne has recovered from an injury suffered in the Premier League opener and made a stylish return. Guardiola will surely be relieved by the availability of one of their most consistent performers in Europe. Since his return, the Belgian superstar has notched three assists and a goal in the last four matches. His presence in midfield gives his team a significant advantage.
At the Gtech Community Stadium, the 32-year-old will aim to continue creating scoring opportunities for his teammates with his exceptional vision, maintaining his fine form to help his side retain their championship. He will be a key player to watch in the fixture.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Brentford’s predicted lineup: Flekken; Collins, Mee, Pinnock; Roerslev, Janelt, Jensen, Norgaard, Reguilon; Toney, Maupay
Man City’s predicted lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake; Nunes, Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Alvarez