Pep Guardiola could hand Erling Haaland a first Premier League start in nearly two months when Manchester City travel to Brentford on Monday in the Premier League.
The striker returned in the 3-1 win over Burnley and played around 20 minutes after recovering from his foot injury. Speaking ahead of Monday’s trip to Brentford, Guardiola confirmed that Haaland is an option to start.
The Bees provided formidable opposition last season for City and completed a league double over the champions. Guardiola praised Brentford’s approach in his pre-match press conference and also described striker Ivan Toney as ‘an exceptional player’.
Therefore, the City boss is expected to pick a full-strength side at the Gtech Community Stadium on Monday, with the likes of Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish all options to start after they were named on the bench against Burnley.
There could also be a dilemma surrounding John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne, who have just returned from respective injuries. The latter started his first game in six months on Wednesday and Guardiola has spoken about the importance of easing the Belgian back in after such a long absence. Likewise, Guardiola said Stones is not operating at his full capacity just yet and ‘needs to make steps forward’.
There’s also rotation to consider in a busy month for City, but even that may not be a crucial factor given there’s a five-day gap either side of the Brentford game.
With all that in mind, here’s how we think Guardiola will line up on Monday night..
1. GK: Ederson
The 30-year-old has missed just one league game all season and is expected to start in the capital.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
Missed his first league match of the season on Wednesday and should return at right-back against Brentford.
3. CB: Ruben Dias
With Stones and Manuel Akanji still getting back to full fitness, Dias looks likely to start.
4. CB: Nathan Ake
Is in a similar position to Dias, and is expected to line up at the heart of defence.