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City’s 3-3 draw with Everton was a real head-scratcher on Monday evening.
They dominated the first half, eventually went ahead through Jeremy Doku, and must have felt well placed to go on and extend their lead in the second.
But Pep Guardiola’s men took their foot off the gas, allowing Everton to roar back with three goals of their own. In the end, City – with goals in the 83rd and 97th minutes – were lucky to get anything out of the contest.
They will be expecting to bounce back at the Etihad on Saturday (17:30 BST), yet face a Brentford outfit that has outperformed expectations to some extent this term.
Keith Andrews, surely the outstanding candidate for Manager of the Year, will be hoping to mastermind a crucial underdog victory to maintain the Bees’ slim Champions League hopes.
Manchester City v Brentford tips
Manchester City -1 handicap @ 20/21 (bet365)
Michael Kayode to be booked @ 2/1 (bet365)
Jeremy Doku to score or assist @ 10/11 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
One is not enough
Given the nature of the Premier League table, Pep Guardiola will know that winning by a one-goal margin is the bare minimum here.
Goal difference and even goals scored could yet be needed to separate his side from Arsenal in determining the champions, so his side will be instructed not to rest on their laurels on Saturday – do not expect a repeat of their second-half performance against Everton.
Of Brentford’s last seven EPL games, three have finished 0-0. The Bees have just seemingly lost their scoring power, having found the net just once in 270 minutes of play in their last three away games.
Indeed, Andrews’ side haven’t always been at their best on the road – W6 D2 L9, and there are few away trips as daunting as an evening at the Etihad Stadium.
Our bet lands here if City win 2-0, 3-0, 3-1 etc… those scorelines all feel distinctly possible in the circumstances.
Tip: Manchester City -1 handicap @ 20/21 (bet365)
Explanation: If City win by two or more goals, our selection lands.
In the book
Antoine Semenyo, Morgan Rogers, Jack Grealish. What do they all have in common?
Aside from their Manchester City links, the connection is that each is an outstanding left-sided player… and each has been the direct opponent of Michael Kayode when he has been booked this season.
The Brentford right back has been cautioned seven times this term, and is particularly vulnerable to seeing yellow when up against a slippery customer on that side of the pitch.
They don’t seem much slipperier than an ultra-confident Jeremy Doku…
Tip: Michael Kayode to be booked @ 2/1 (bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if Michael Kayode is shown a yellow card.
Doku's finishing strong
In an interview published by the BBC towards the end of April, Doku revealed his belief that he would be considered among the best wingers in the world if he scored more goals.
Since its publication, the Belgian has scored against Southampton and notched a brace at Stamford Bridge, while his overall contribution in his last five games reads four goals and two assists.
Doku is ending the season on a high. And, if we’re backing City goals in this game, he – along with Erling Haaland, of course – is surely among the most likely to deliver, whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Tip: Jeremy Doku to score or assist @ 10/11 (bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if Jeremy Doku scores or assists a goal.
Manchester City v Brentford: Match result odds
Manchester City: 19/50 (bet365)
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.