Bees to run out of nectar at the Etihad
Runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City take on Brentford at the Etihad on Wednesday evening. Pep Guardiola's charges are on a nine-game winning run on home soil, and represent far from ideal opponents for the visitors to shake off their poor run of form. Read our preview:
The Greal deal
Whilst there is little doubt that Jack Grealish has had a slow start to life at the title holders, he has certainly looked more like the player a huge outlay was spent on last summer in recent weeks, which culminated in a man of the match performance at the weekend during the 4-1 win over Fulham in the FA Cup. On Wednesday evening, he could play the false nine role, especially as Cole Palmer remains out and Gabriel Jesus will be assessed following his return from international duty. His 'rivals' for that spot are the only injury concerns Guardiola has.
Erik the Red
Thomas Frank will shuffle his pack after being on the wrong end of another 4-1 scoreline (at Everton). Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa should be back from enforced Covid-related lay-offs, and there is a big question mark as to who will be between the sticks. Elsewhere, the signing of Christian Eriksen has been one of the few genuinely 'good' headlines generated by the sport recently, and though he will still be building up his fitness, his presence in the squad should be a big boost to flagging morale.
Betting tip
In theory, preventing goals is easier than scoring them. Brentford have been fine with the latter, but have really struggled with the former since promotion. Though not currently in a relegation battle, they could be sucked into one should results not improve soon. Man City will take no prisoners however, and Parimatch's odds of 2.90 for a home win with both teams scoring look favourable.
