Is Brentford Really a Free Pass for Man City?

City arrive in ruthless form

Manchester City welcome Brentford to the Etihad Stadium for a Carabao Cup quarter-final that, on paper, looks one-sided. Pep Guardiola’s side arrive in outstanding shape, having made it five wins in a row across all competitions with a comfortable 3-0 league victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

This is City’s first appearance at this stage of the competition since the 2022/23 season, and they remain one of the most successful sides in Carabao Cup history with eight titles, even if their last triumph came in 2020/21. Their route to the quarter-finals has been straightforward, brushing aside Huddersfield and Swansea without ever looking troubled.

Confidence is high after last week’s impressive Champions League win away at Real Madrid, and the Etihad has been a fortress in this competition. City have won their last five Carabao Cup matches at home, often doing so in emphatic fashion.

Brentford embrace the underdog role

Brentford arrive as clear outsiders but with nothing to lose. League form has been a concern, with Keith Andrews’ side now on a three-match winless run following a 1-1 draw with Leeds on Sunday. Progressing one round further than last season would already represent success.

Despite their struggles, Brentford have shown resilience in this competition. They have already knocked out two Premier League sides in Aston Villa and Bournemouth, while a 5-0 demolition of Grimsby in the previous round highlighted their attacking potential on their day.

Away from home in the Carabao Cup, Brentford’s recent record is strong, but their overall away form is worrying. They have lost their last four competitive away matches and failed to score in three of them, a trend that does not bode well against City.

History offers City control

Manchester City have dominated recent meetings between the sides, winning four of the last five encounters. However, the margins have been fine, with each of the last three meetings decided by a single goal.

At home, City have won eight of the ten competitive matches they have hosted against Brentford, reinforcing their status as overwhelming favourites.

Key players and team news

Phil Foden has been in devastating form, scoring six goals across his last five matches, with most arriving during the middle phase of games. Brentford will look to Jordan Henderson for leadership, a player well-acquainted with facing City over his long career.

City may again be without Jérémy Doku, while Brentford hope Reiss Nelson can return after missing the last two matches through injury.