How Manchester City could line up against Brentford

Manchester City are sweating over the fitness of Kyle Walker and Rodri for Wednesday's Premier League showdown with Brentford.

The reigning champions were without the ever-present duo for the win over Leicester City, and Pep Guardiola also has the New Year's Day clash with Arsenal to keep in mind.

John Stones and Ferran Torres also missed the thrilling 6-3 win on Boxing Day due to injury, but the latter will soon complete a move to Barcelona anyway.

Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko ought to continue out wide in the absence of Walker, and Guardiola may also be tempted to spare Ruben Dias given that he is one booking away from a ban.

Nathan Ake may therefore be in with a chance of starting alongside Aymeric Laporte in midweek, while Fernandinho should marshal the midfield if Rodri is spared for the Emirates trip.

Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne may both hold their places in the engine room, but City fans can potentially expect to see a rejigged attack amid the hectic festive schedule.

Gabriel Jesus is a candidate to displace Riyad Mahrez on the right, while Phil Foden and Jack Grealish could also return to the first XI after finding themselves in hot water with Guardiola over their off-field behaviour.

Man City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Cancelo, Laporte, Ake, Zinchenko; Gundogan, Fernandinho, De Bruyne; Jesus, Foden, Grealish