Match Preview: Manchester City vs Brentford (Premier League)

After an impressive 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, Manchester City switch their attention back to Premier League duties, as they host Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.

As they head into the final round of domestic matches before the World Cup, Pep Guardiola’s side will look to continue their push towards a third consecutive Premier League title.

Their final matchday of the first-half of the season comes against the West London outfit, who currently sit 11th place in the top-flight table after the opening 14 games.

Plenty of rotation in the squad is expected for the visit of the Bees.

The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Ederson, John Stones and Manuel Akanji all started from the bench against Chelsea in the midweek Carabao Cup tie, allowing for all of them to be raring to go this time around.

Sitting in second place - only two points behind league leaders Arsenal - the Blues will be keen to finish off strong before the World Cup break.

However, they will certainly face a tough test from Thomas Frank’s side.

The Londoners have been no stranger to upsets this season.

Knocking off both Manchester United and Brighton in Premier League outings - both of whom find themselves currently in the top-six - Brentford are a side to watch out for.

Led from the front by talismanic striker Ivan Toney - who has racked up a tally of eight goals and two assists so far this Premier League campaign, Brentford have proven to be a tough outfit.

However, Manchester City’s attackers are in fine form themselves, as the Etihad club leads the league in goals scored this season, with a staggering 39 successful strikes across just 13 games.

With the potential return of the league’s leading goalscorer, Erling Haaland after a foot injury, the Brentford rearguard could be in for a long day in the North-west.

With less than two weeks before the start of the World Cup in Qatar however, one has to ponder how a game full of international stars might play out, as they look to remain healthy before the tournament.

Such a short break between domestic and World Cup action is unprecedented in the modern era.

With fixtures having already been jammed in so far this season, some players could choose to take it easy this weekend in an attempt to avoid tempting fate before heading to Qatar.

The neutrals will hope that is not the case, and Manchester City fans will be hoping to see their side back on the summit of the Premier League before the end of the weekend.