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With a congested schedule that includes domestic and European commitments, rotation is likely at the Etihad Stadium, even if City arrive in strong form and as clear favourites to reach the semi-finals.
Brentford, meanwhile, have already eliminated two Premier League sides in this competition and will hope City’s changes give them an opening to cause a surprise.
Manchester City v Brentford tips
• Manchester City to win - 37/100 with Bet365
• Both teams to score (Yes) - 4/5 with Bet365
• Over 1.5 goals - 4/25 with Bet365
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Manchester City to win
Despite the possibility of Guardiola resting key players, Manchester City remain overwhelming favourites to progress, priced at 37/100 with Bet365.
The Cityzens have won five consecutive matches in all competitions and are unbeaten in their last five Carabao Cup games at the Etihad, a ground where they have also scored freely of late.
Against an off-form Brentford side that have lost each of their last four competitive away matches and failed to score in three of them, City’s depth should still be more than enough to see them through, even with changes to the starting XI.
Tip: Manchester City to win @37/100
Bet explanation: This bet wins if Manchester City beats Brentford in regular time
Both teams to score
Backing both teams to score at 4/5 looks appealing given the likely match dynamic. Manchester City have scored 3+ goals in five of their last six home games, but they’ve also shown a willingness to control games rather than shut them down completely, especially in cup ties.
Brentford’s route to the quarter-finals offers encouragement for the visitors, having already beaten Aston Villa and Bournemouth in this competition.
The Bees have also conceded exactly twice in each of their last four away matches, suggesting that while they are vulnerable defensively, they are rarely completely shut out. With City rotation potentially disrupting defensive cohesion, Brentford may get chances of their own.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 4/5
Bet explanation: This bet wins if Manchester City and Brentford score at least one goal each.
Over 1.5 goals
Goals are expected at the Etihad, making over 1.5 goals at 4/25 one of the safest options on the card.
City’s attacking output at home has been relentless, while Brentford’s recent fixtures point towards open games, with each of their last three producing exactly two goals.
Five of City’s last six home matches have featured at least three goals, and with Brentford conceding regularly on the road, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where this game remains low-scoring. Even a rotated City side should generate enough quality chances to push this contest beyond the 1.5-goal mark.
Bet explanation: This bet wins if at least two goals are scored in the game between Manchester City and Brentford.
Manchester City v Brentford odds
• Manchester City win – 37/100 with Bet365
• Draw – 4/1 with Bet365
• Brentford win – 6/1 with Bet365
Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.