Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Brentford (Carabao Cup) | OneFootball

On Wednesday night, Manchester City turn their attentions back to cup competition as they welcome Brentford to the Etihad Stadium in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

The Blues come into the fixture off the back of a commanding victory at Selhurst Park on Sunday, securing all three points with a convincing 0-3 win over a resilient Crystal Palace side in the Premier League. While the scoreline suggested a comfortable afternoon, City were required to show patience and control against well-organised opposition, particularly during a first-half in which clear chances were at a premium.

Erling Haaland broke the deadlock shortly before half-time in a first period that tested City’s resolve, with the hosts creating clearer chances. Phil Foden’s 69th minute strike – his seventh goal involvement in just five matches – shifted the momentum decisively, while Haaland’s late penalty ensured a comfortable scoreline and a much-needed win.

The victory over Crystal Palace keeps pressure firmly on leaders Arsenal, with City sitting just two points off the summit. What at one stage threatened to become a season of frustration has quickly turned into one full of promise, with important wins in both the Premier League and Champions League over the past week.

Securing a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals would further underline what has already been an exciting and momentum-building period.

Next up for City is Keith Andrews’ Brentford, who currently sit 14th in the Premier League. The London-based side progressed through to the quarter-final by beating League Two’s Grimsby 0-5, and have faced City once already this season in a fixture that ended 0-1 to the Blues with an early Erling Haaland goal being the difference maker at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Pep Guardiola is expected to rotate heavily once again in cup competition, with this fixture presenting an opportunity for some of the squad’s lesser-used players to stake their claim against top-flight opposition.

With fixtures set to pile up heading into the new year, and Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri unavailable due to international duty at AFCON, the contest could serve as a useful indicator of who may feature more prominently in the weeks ahead.

Here’s how we predict Manchester City will line-up for Wednesday night’s cup clash!

Predicted XI

A night like this acts as the perfect opportunity for James Trafford to prove himself against Premier League opposition after limited minutes this season. He will no doubt be keen to make a good impression on Pep Guardiola and fans alike.

The No.1 shirt holder has had relatively little to do when called upon, but after winning Premier League Save of the Month in his first month back at the club, there is plenty of promise for him to build on. A composed display could further strengthen his case for increased involvement.

Matheus Nunes has filled in at right-back exceptionally so far this season and with John Stones out, Abdukodir Khusanov is unlikely to fill in at right-back. Nunes continues to impress with another assist against Crystal Palace, and another assured performance could prove pivotal in Manchester City’s push towards the semi-finals.

This game will provide a perfect opportunity for Abdukodir Khusanov to get some valuable minutes. The defender impressed earlier in the campaign – particularly at right-back – but has found opportunities limited since injury against Arsenal. A strong showing could see the fan-favourite force his way back into regular consideration.

The obvious choice to partner the Uzbekistan international is Nathan Ake, as the Dutchman has remained in rotation recently off the bench, and so sharpness should not be too much of an issue for him. His experience will be invaluable in what will likely be a very young line-up. Ake offers the perfect balance of leadership and consistency, and his presence should provide the platform for those around him to play with confidence.

With Rayan Ait-Nouri now on international duty with Algeria, Nico O’Reilly could be in line for his 24th appearance of the season. The midfielder-turned-left-back has been a revelation and while he may be due a rest after such heavy involvement, Ait-Nouri’s absence and Ake’s expected role centrally could once again see him tasked out on the left flank.

Rico Lewis has made very limited appearances this season with Matheus Nunes having impressed so much on the right of defence. With Nico Gonzalez looking increasingly in need of rest, and both Mateo Kovacic and Rodri currently unavailable, it makes the most sense to allow Lewis to deputise in a role that he has impressed in before.

The 21-year-old has done very little wrong when called upon this season, but with very limited minutes so far this campaign, he will be keen to seize this opportunity and remind Pep Guardiola of his quality.

Tijjani Reijnders has been perhaps harshly critiqued by some this season, and so a cup quarter-final could provide the perfect platform for him to showcase his talents as one of the more senior players in this line-up. With Nico Gonzalez likely to sit out, the Dutchman may be asked to perform a dual role, supporting Rico Lewis defensively while also providing an attacking presence.

The final midfield position could be filled by Rayan Cherki, and the summer signing has made a huge impact on fans since his arrival, perhaps proving decisive on Wednesday night. It is certain, with appearances beginning to stack up, he is not in desperate need for game time. With Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden having featured heavily recently, it could be the perfect opportunity to give them some well-earned time off.

The Frenchman is no stranger to the competition either, having featured against Swansea City after returning from injury, and his goal and assist turning the tide in that game after the Welsh outfit’s stunning opener.

Oscar Bobb has not featured since the 0-2 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in a challenging season for the Norwegian, who has appeared short of confidence so far. This fixture could provide the perfect platform for him to rediscover rhythm, with a strong performance potentially propelling him back into contention for a starting role.

Leading the line could be Divine Mukasa, with the 18-year-old having started both of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup matches so far, registering an assist on his senior debut. While he operated in midfield against Swansea, Mukasa could return to a more advanced position as we saw against Huddersfield. Brentford will pose a sterner test, but it also represents a golden opportunity to stake a claim for his long-term future in the first-team picture.

After a slow start to the ongoing campaign, Savinho is beginning to look more like the exciting talent Manchester City fans grew accustomed to last season. His cameo against Real Madrid was particularly encouraging, with only Jeremy Doku (6) completing more dribbles despite the Brazilian playing just 19 minutes.

That promise carried over into the win at Crystal Palace, where his solo counter-attack earned Manchester City a decisive penalty, effectively killing off what had been a difficult contest. If handed a start here, Savinho will be eager to continue building momentum.

Starting XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, O’Reilly; Lewis, Reijnders, Cherki; Bobb, Mukasa, Savinho.

Substitutes: Donnarumma, Bettinelli, Dias, Mfuni, Gvardiol, Nico, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland.