A huge stumble in the race for the Premier League crown must be buried by Manchester City as they face the visit of Brentford on Saturday evening.
It’s well and truly crunch time in this Premier League campaign and a stretch where both teams at the top of the tree, City and Arsenal, can say they’ve seen the light of first place and taken a plunge to match.
But it was Manchester City who were dealt the latest blow in the fight to the finish, a barmy 3-3 draw in their maiden visit to Everton’s new Hill Dickinson stadium despite Pep Guardiola‘s men leading by a goal to nil at the break.
Jeremy Doku was the man who had put City a goal to the good seconds before the interval, but waves of Everton pressure saw Marc Guehi’s lacklustre backpass cut out by Thierno Barry, who slotted home the equaliser the Toffees were carving all half.
Match Officials: Michael Salisbury to referee Manchester City vs Brentford
Jake O’Brien rose highest 5 minutes later before Barry netted his brace to put City 3-1 down, and wondering if this is the end of their pursuit of the Premier League title this season.
Erling Haaland produced one of the quickest responses in Premier League history to drag one back after a marvellous through-ball by Mateo Kovacic before Doku in fabulous form curled Manchester City into a share of the points.
Despite a giant blow to the Blues’ title hopes with Arsenal comfortably beating Fulham last Saturday, City must still overcome Brentford’s challenge at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday in order to keep their names in contention.
They face a side sitting at the top of the European dogfight and eyeing UEFA Europa League football next season, having also broken their win drought with an emphatic 3-0 win over West Ham last weekend.
Manchester City faithful will be down on their luck coming into this one but stranger things have happened, Blues!
Here’s how we think Manchester City will line up against Brentford this weekend!
Predicted XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma is nearing the end of his first season as Manchester City goalkeeper and has been a smash hit on the blue side of Manchester with some incredible stops to show for.
At left-Back, we think Rayan Ait-Nouri would offer something fresh to the side with his balance and pace going forward – and his tact and positional awareness when defending. The Algerian’s inclusion also gives Nico O’Reilly license to flourish in a higher area of the pitch.
Marc Guehi issues statement after Manchester City error in 3-3 Everton draw
Despite his mistake against Everton in the week, Marc Guehi has been exceptional when partnered with Abdukodir Khusanov since January. The two make up a centre-back pairing worthy of claiming the Premier League crown and have been a highlight of Manchester City’s season.
Matheus Nunes has stood strong throughout the ups and downs of this turbulent league campaign – and has cemented his name at right-back with some brilliant displays. There’s no reason here why the Portugal international won’t keep his place.
Mentioned before, Nico O’Reilly could get another chance to work his magic from a midfield position, forming something of a fluid double pivot with skipper Bernardo Silva.
O’Reilly’s performances this season have almost guaranteed his PFA Young Player of the Year status and in combination with Silva’s undying work-ethic, City could untie the knots against Brentford.
Ahead of this pair, Rayan Cherki has made the difference for City in so many games this term. Flashbacks to his excellent finish against Saturday’s opponents in the Carabao Cup quarter-final come to mind – and with his effect on the team around him going forward – there’s no wonder he has been endearingly branded as ‘Rayan Kinkladze’.
Struggling for goals at the minute, Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has offered much more on the wings since his move from Bournemouth in January. His movement and positional aptitude across his time under Guardiola is visible – and it’s never wise to bet against him popping up with a goal when it counts.
Erling Haaland comes up against his closest rival in the race for his third golden boot in four seasons in Igor Thiago – and will be looking back on City’s last meeting with Brentford, where his goal made the difference in a 1-0 win.
Playing at the peak of his powers in recent weeks, Jeremy Doku has been outstanding whether his appearances come from the bench or the starting lineup. His rapid shakes are unstoppable at times and Brentford’s defence will be dreading coming up against the Belgian.
We owe to ourselves and the Manchester City fans to fight Arsenal till the end, says Jeremy Doku
Starting XI: Donnarumma; Ait-Nouri, Guehi, Khusanov, Nunes; O’Reilly, Bernardo, Cherki; Semenyo, Haaland, Doku
Substitutes: Trafford, Ake, Stones, Nico, Kovacic, Reijnders, Foden, Marmoush, Savinho
