Image copyright: Getty Images
2024/25 English Premier League
Matchday 21
Brentford v Manchester City
Gtech Community Stadium
London, England
Tuesday, 14 January 2025
Kick-off is at 21h30
Manchester City will targeting a third consecutive win in the
Premier League for the first time since October when they take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday, January 14.
The Citizens endured an alarming slump in November and December which saw them lose an unprecedented four games in a row under Pep Guardiola to drop out of the UEFA Champions League places.
Guardiola's side arrested a four-match winless run as they beat Leicester 2-0 on December 29 and they kicked off the new year with a resounding 4-1 victory over West Ham on January 4.
Chelsea have opened the door for Newcastle (5th) and City (6th) in the race for a top-four finish after failing to win their last four games, leaving them just one and two points clear respectively in fourth spot.
The Bees are looking to build on their massive 5-0 win over Southampton on January 4, having halted a worrying four-match winless streak, three of which ended in defeat.
Thomas Frank's side climbed above Tottenham up to 11th position and find themselves just one point outside the top 10 with a three-point cushion to Spurs, who lost for the third time in four outings against Newcastle.
City's injury concerns have eased noticeably in recent weeks, but they still remain without Rodri (knee), Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias (both calf) and John Stones (ankle).
The West Londoners have no such luxury as injury has robbed them of Joshua Dasilva, Igor Thiago (both knee), Ethan Pinnock, Aaron Hickey (both thigh), Kristoffer Ajer (ankle), Gustavo Nunes (back), Ryan Trevitt (calf) and Ben Mee.
Frank believes the Citizens' recent dip in form is understandable given the consistency they've shown down the years which he claims shouldn't be possible.
"I think Manchester City is a fantastic team with a fantastic coach and fantastic players. I don't think it's a surprise for Pep that they've had a dip," the Dane said.
"You never know when the dip is coming but you know that not one team in the world can consistently just win year after year. It's impossible, especially in the best league in the world.
"What they've done for the last four years shouldn't be possible, it's hugely impressive and he will go again."
Image copyright: Getty Images
Guardiola has insisted he will not deploy Kevin de Bruyne as a No.6 in a bid to fill the void left by Rodri's injury, saying the Belgian plays a vital role in the final third.
"Kevin cannot play there (in the holding midfield role)," the Spaniard said. "I've been nine years with him, and I know his attributes better than anyone else.
"He can play in some positions and drop deeper when we want to do that, but Kevin has another talent, and we need his energy up front.
"He is unbelievable in the final third and I want him there, leading that position."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Brentford wins - 2
Man City wins - 3
Draws - 0
Premier League Matchday 21 fixtures:
Tuesday, January 14
21h30: Brentford v Manchester City
21h30: West Ham United v Fulham
21h30: Chelsea v Bournemouth
22h00: Nottingham Forest v Liverpool
Wednesday, January 15
21h30: Everton v Aston Villa
21h30: Leicester City v Crystal Palace
21h30: Newcastle United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
22h00: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Thursday, January 16
21h30: Ipswich Town v Brighton & Hove Albion
22h00: Manchester United v Southampton
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