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Manchester City can book their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup tonight with a victory over Brentford at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola has already admitted his priority this week is the home clash with West Ham in the Premier League, but that doesn't mean he won't be keen to see his side book their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup when they face Brentford tonight. City are still challenging on all fronts this season and have put their mini wobble after the November international break behind them to win five games in a row.
City have been in fine goalscoring form, scoring 16 goals in their last five outings, though their defensive frailties have meant there have been some nervy final moments in their winning run. Sunday's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace was far more routine as City ensured the gap between themselves and Arsenal remained at just two points.
Now their attention will turn to the Carabao Cup with a place in the final four up for grabs. Guardiola has confirmed James Trafford will start in goal as he looks to make changes to his side. Rico Lewis can start at right-back with Nathan Ake partnering Abdukodir Khusanov in the centre. Nico O'Reilly is unlikely to be afforded a rest with Rayan Air-Nouri away on international duty.
Tijjani Reijnders can start in midfield alongside Nico Gonzalez, while Oscar Bobb is likely to be given his chance in the starting XI having started both of City's previous two Carabao Cup outings this season. Rayan Cherki and Savinho should also be named in the starting line-up and youngster Divine Mukasa could be given another chance to impress.
Mukasa isn't a natural striker but played the role well in the third round victory over Huddersfield. With Omar Marmoush away at AFCON and City keen to manage Erling Haaland's workload where possible, Mukasa could be asked to lead the line.
City predicted XI: Trafford; Lewis, Khusanov, Ake, O'Reilly, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Bobb, Cherki, Savinho, Mukasa
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