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Joao Cancelo returns, Erling Haaland to start from the off - Predicted XI: Manchester City vs Brentford (Premier League)

Home> City Xtra

Updated 12:39 4 Jan 2023 GMTPublished 16:02 11 Nov 2022 GMT

Joao Cancelo returns, Erling Haaland to start from the off - Predicted XI: Manchester City vs Brentford (Premier League)

Manchester City take on their final Premier League match before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and here is how we think they will line-up!

Freddie Pye

Freddie Pye

Manchester City host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, in what will be the Sky Blues' final match before the international break for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Premier League champions come into this clash off the back of progression to the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night.

City largely cruised past Chelsea in a 2-0 win, with goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez setting up a clash against Liverpool immediately after the upcoming World Cup.

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As for Thomas Frank's Brentford, they come off the back of a shock cup upset, exiting the League Cup against Gillingham on penalties.

In fact, the Bees' form as a whole has been concerning supporters, failing to win a single game since 14 October - a 2-0 win against Brighton.

Ahead of the meeting between these two sides at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, here is how we predict Manchester City to line-up against Brentford!


Predicted XI:

Despite his midweek heroics, Ederson will replace Stefan Ortega in goal for Manchester City this weekend.

John Stones put in a commendable performance against Fulham in the last Premier League outing, and with the continued absence of Kyle Walker due to injury, the Englishman could fill-in at right-back once again.

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Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake could partner one another in the centre of defence, following Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte's showing in the Carabao Cup, and with the latter picking up a knock towards the end of the 2-0 win.

Joao Cancelo looks primed to return from suspension, starting at left-back against Thomas Frank's side this weekend.

John Stones in Manchester City training.
John Stones in Manchester City training.

While Kalvin Phillips continues to build-up his match sharpness, Rodri may start Manchester City's final game before the World Cup, and his final game before duties for Spain get underway in the coming days.

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Kevin De Bruyne is a certainty to start this one following his fine performances this season.

It may be an even contest for the other attacking midfield role, however we're opting for Ilkay Gundogan - with Bernardo Silva an option from the bench should legs be required in the closing stages of this clash.

Manchester City versus Chelsea; Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City crosses the ball past Denis Zakaria. (Alamy)
Manchester City versus Chelsea; Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City crosses the ball past Denis Zakaria. (Alamy)

"Riyad is back," were the words of Pep Guardiola following the win over Chelsea in midweek.

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As such, we're putting him straight back into this line-up, with Riyad Mahrez full of confidence at the moment as he enters a run of goal contributing form.

Guardiola left Erling Haaland's fitness in some element of doubt speaking prior to the game. However, with the Norwegian playing no part in midweek and following his heroics last time out in the Premier League, we expect the striker to start this one from the very off.

It was a stellar performance from Jack Grealish in midweek, as he provided absolutely everything in an attacking sense... except for a goal or an assist. Nevertheless, we expect a show of confidence from the manager this time out, by starting the England star against Brentford.

erling haaland, manchester city.
erling haaland, manchester city.

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Starting XI: Ederson; Stones, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish.

Substitutes: Ortega, Dias, Laporte, Gomez, Phillips, Bernardo, Foden, Palmer, Alvarez.

Featured Image Credit: News Images LTD / Alamy

Topics: Joao Cancelo, Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Brentford, Premier League, Football, Pep Guardiola

Freddie Pye
Freddie Pye

Owner/Founder and Content Lead at City Xtra

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