Preview: Man City face Brentford in Carabao Cup quarterfinal
Manchester City are fighting on multiple fronts and can take another step towards Carabao Cup glory by beating Brentford on Wednesday.
By Graham Ruthven
City coming together
After a transitional year or so, there is a growing sense that Manchester City are finally starting to settle into a new identity. Things are coming together.
Sunday’s 3-0 away win over Crystal Palace might have slightly flattered Pep Guardiola’s team, but it was proof of the momentum City have built, winning each of their last five matches in all competitions.
The Carabao Cup isn’t Manchester City’s top priority this season. Nonetheless, Wednesday’s quarter-final against Brentford is a chance to take another step towards silverware.
Despite establishing themselves at Premier League level, Brentford have never won a major piece of silverware in their history.
This season’s Carabao Cup could be an opportunity for the Bees to change this and so Keith Andrews might place more importance on Wednesday’s quarter-final than his opposite number.
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Brentford in all competitions. They are firm favourites to extend that unbeaten run to six fixtures.
This, however, could be a tactical match-up that benefits Brentford. They could expose the hosts in transition and capitalise on their relative lack of physicality at the back.
Key players
Guardiola could rotate his team ahead of the busy Christmas period, meaning Erling Haaland might be in line for a place on the bench against Brentford on Wednesday.
Savinho is expected to start for Manchester City, giving the hosts a threat in quick transition. The Brazilian was productive off the bench against Crystal Palace, winning the penalty kick that led to City’s third goal.
Phil Foden could also be rested by Guardiola. Jérémy Doku, however, could keep his place in the City starting lineup while Oscar Bobb may make his third start in this season’s Carabao Cup.
Igor Thiago has been something of a revelation for Brentford this season, scoring 12 goals in all competitions. The Brazilian centre forward will be a physical threat and an attacking focal point for the Bees to play off.
Jordan Henderson scored his first Brentford goal against Leeds United on Sunday. The midfielder has created more Big Chances than any of his teammates this season and will be a key figure in Wednesday’s cup quarter-final.
Michael Kayode’s long throws will put the Manchester City backline under pressure while Rico Henry’s surging runs down the left side could expose the space in behind Rico Lewis.
Team news
Mateo Kovačić and Rodri are sidelined for Manchester City, leaving Guardiola short of options in central midfield. This will likely see Nico González and Tijani Reijnders start in the middle of the pitch.
Omar Marmoush is also unavailable for City with the Egyptian forward on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations this month.
Frank Onyeka and Dango Outtara are similarly at AFCON with their respective national teams while Fábio Carvalho is a long-term absentee as he recovers from a serious ACL injury.
Prediction
City have some serious pedigree in this competition – lifting the trophy in four consecutive seasons up to 2021 – so will likely be out to ruin Brentford’s big day: Man City 2-1 Brentford.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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