Man City team news vs Brentford and predicted lineup | OneFootball

Manchester City will be looking to book their spot in the EFL Cup semi-finals when they welcome Brentford to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening, with the tie kicking off at 19:30 and live on Sky Sports Main Event.

The Citizens, who are eight-time winners of this competition, are aiming to reach the last-four stage for the first time since 2021, while the Bees are aiming to match their best-ever run when reaching the semis that same year.

Man City predicted lineup vs Brentford

In-form Erling Haaland will continue to lead the line for City, supported by Phil Foden, while the likes of James Trafford, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Savinho and Oscar Bobb are expected to start.

Man City team news vs Brentford

City will be without the services of Egypt forward Omar Marmoush and Algeria defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, who have departed for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mateo Kovacic is still sidelined until March due to an ankle issue, while Wednesday’s clash is expected to come too soon for both Rodri and John Stones, who could be involved in Saturday’s visit of West Ham.

Jeremy Doku missed Sunday’s win at Crystal Palace because of a leg problem and he is a big doubt for this contest.

Pep Guardiola is expected to make changes to his starting XI from the victory at Selhurst Park, with Rico Lewis, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and Savinho all hoping to get the chance to impress.

Guardiola comments could inspire Foden

England international Phil Foden scored for the sixth time in his last four Premier League appearances in the victory against the Eagles on Sunday, but that performance still didn’t fit the bill for City boss Guardiola.

Speaking about the midfielder, the Spanish tactician said in his press conference: “Phil today, and I know the people may think differently, was not good. He didn’t play at his best, so he lost a lot of balls. He was so in a rush in his decisions, he was so anxious.

“He has to play, just keep the ball and be associated with the other ones, and, in the right moment, make this explosion that only he has in terms of goals and assists.”

While Guardiola’s remarks may seem strange given Foden’s recent numbers, it could turn out to be a masterstroke from the manager in an attempt to get one of his prized assets up another level.

The 25-year-old can use those quotes as motivation to prove to Guardiola that he is at the top of his game, and that only spells bad news for a Brentford side who have struggled away from home.

The Bees have won just three times on their travels this season – two of those coming in the EFL Cup – and they have lost three of their last four trips to the Etihad.

Furthermore, Foden has scored seven goals in his eight appearances against Brentford, which leaves Brighton as the only team he has netted against more in his career.