Pep Guardiola could rotate his squad for the Premier League game against Brentford on Tuesday night.
Manchester City host the Bees just 15 days after they met at the Gtech Community Stadium, where the Blues won 3-1 thanks to Phil Foden’s hat-trick. It started what is a busy month for City, who face a run of six games in just 18 days.
Guardiola admitted recently that City will need to rotate in that period and, with just Josko Gvardiol and Jack Grealish injured, there are plenty of options if he wishes to make changes.
Rico Lewis, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes were all unused substitutes last time out and could return to the starting line-up. Sergio Gomez and Oscar Bobb were also on the bench but are unlikely to start, while Bernardo Silva came for the final 25 minutes of that 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
After a tough test against Mauricio Pochettino’s side at the weekend, Guardiola warned his players in Monday’s press conference not to expect an easier assignment against a Brentford side that beat the champions home and away last season.
“It doesn't mean tomorrow will be easier because of the expectations we have against Brentford in the past, have always been so difficult and complicated,” he said. “Tomorrow will not be an exception because of the quality they have and the way they play.”
With all that in mind, here’s how City could line up for the clash against Brentford, with stalwarts Kyle Walker and Julian Alvarez to drop out…
1. GK: Ederson
Made several good stops against Chelsea but has kept just two clean sheets in the last 14 Premier League games.
2. RB: Rico Lewis
One change could see Walker drop out as Guardiola rotates his team in a busy period.
3. CB: John Stones
Rested at the weekend so could come back in for the Tuesday's match.
4. CB: Ruben Dias
If Stones starts, either Dias or Manuel Akanji could drop out. The latter looks more likely given he plays a similar role to Stones.