There is not a crisis at Manchester City, nor is this the downfall of our title charge. But the Chelsea result was a stark and timely reminder of the standards that City need to reach to win games. The quality is undeniable. The focus in games defensively, the ruthless nature in front of goal and care taken in possession with the ball is not where it could be.

Despite all of that, the team need to shrug it off and move forward on Tuesday night to keep momentum.

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Starting Point

Manchester City vs Brentford Preview

Following a frustrating result and performance against Chelsea on Saturday night, City head into their game in hand looking to put it right at the Etihad on Tuesday. The Bees have many players out after a poor result against Liverpool (4-1) and come to the Etihad looking also for bounce back result.

Notable Injuries:

• Josko Gvardiol (ankle) and Jack Grealish (groin) are both expected to miss the match. Bernardo Silva, Sergio Gomez and Mateo Kovacic all have returned from injury.

• Ethan Pinnock (ankle), Rico Henry (knee), Josha Dasilva (knee), Kevin Schade (groin), Aaron Hickey (thigh) and Bryan Mbeumo (ankle) are all out of the game injuries for the Bees.

Interesting Stats:

• Manchester City have not kept a clean sheet in the last 3 games against Brentford.

• Manchester City have not loss any of their last 10 home matches.

• Manchester City have scored in all home games this season.

• Brentford have lost 7 of their past 10 away matches. Conceding 2 or more goals in 12 of their last 20 matches.

Thoughts on the game:

• Mateo Kovacic I don’t think comes in for this game, could come off the bench in the last twenty minutes to ride out the result. The Bournemouth game will be a perfect one for a Rodri - Kova double pivot. Bernardo Silva is different, he has to be involved and the second half against Chelsea showed that.

• Stones I would expect to return to the line up, will be fit after his rest against Chelsea. Right now it seems Pep does not want to risk him in multiple games and is saving that for March onward. Without him, our ability to to play out from the back takes a big hit.

• The threat Brentford pose on the break with long balls and in the set pieces is clear, something the players should be well aware of after the away fixture.

• Usual group of Dias, Walker, Ederson, Rodri, De Bruyne, Haaland and Foden I expect to all start the game. Key parts of our strongest line up.

• Without Grealish, I think Pep will run Doku again and try to get a better combination on the left side without Alvarez being deep in midfield. Bernardo on that side and De Bruyne floating over is what I will hope to see. Should help Doku have more options to recycle, time his press better with the group and prevent him being doubled up on so quickly.

• Will need to see more of Phil Foden in this game, using Walker up high to let him float into the middle. Combine with De Bruyne and keep Doku as the width option for a switch rather than the other way around, against Chelsea.

• Stones playing should help us unlock more from Rodri who struggled in the first half against Chelsea to get free and use his long passes/ switches.

• I fully expect a hungry and determined performance by the team tonight, there is no lack of desire but there is a constant issue with set up in one way or another. Guardiola has to get that right from the first minute against Brentford. Big win will remove all the doubts. Brentford are not anywhere near the form they showed last season.

• Matheus Nunes and Oscar Bobb could be two names Pep Guardiola looks at including. Bobb on the wing instead of Doku, offering more tight control in the middle and combinations with central players. Matheus Nunes alongside Rodri in the midfield instead of what was Alvarez against Chelsea.

Ones to Watch:

• Manchester City: Erling Haaland, who has struggled in 2024 compared to his standards comes into another game that should suit him. Knowing he should have scored in the away fixture. Knowing he should have scored at Chelsea, I expect him to turn up determined to put it right on Tuesday.
  

• Brentford: Ivan Toney, who was part of making the goal happen in the away fixture. Caused our defenders issues despite how little Brentford generated in terms of chances. They will need to be sharp Tuesday night to keep him out of the game.

Predicted Lineup: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Doku, Haaland

Predicted Score: Manchester City 3 - 0 Brentford

Interesting News & Links

• Positive news on Jack Grealish.

• CFG Continue to expand.

• Pep Guardiola post Chelsea press conference, embargo section.

That’s all for this newsletter, rounding up our week with everything here at Sky Blue Times and the world of Manchester City. We are always looking for other ways to provide value to our subscribers so we appreciate any feedback provided in the comments below.

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