Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could recall Erling Braut Haaland to his starting lineup for Saturday lunchtime's Premier League contest against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.
After coming off the bench to score a dramatic 95th-minute winning penalty in the 2-1 win over Fulham last weekend, the 22-year-old striker was an unused substitute in the 2-0 EFL Cup third-round victory against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Haaland has been recovering from a ligament injury in his foot and the striker will be assessed ahead of kickoff to see if he is fit to start against Brentford, with Guardiola set to make several changes to his side.
City were thankful for an inspired goalkeeping display from Stefan Ortega in midweek, but the German is expected to be replaced by first-choice stopper Ederson – who is looking to break a Premier League record against the Bees – while Joao Cancelo is available for selection after missing the Chelsea clash due to suspension.
John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake, who all began on the bench in midweek, will be hoping to force their way back into the first XI, as will star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne who is set to replace academy graduate Cole Palmer in midfield.
Kalvin Phillips made his first appearance for eight weeks when he came off the bench in the second half against Chelsea, and the midfielder will be looking to get more minutes under his belt on Saturday, while Kyle Walker remains out as he continues to recover from groin surgery.
Should Haaland be handed a start in attack, Julian Alvarez – who has started City's last four games – could drop to the substitutes' bench, while Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva will be pushing to start ahead of Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish, although both attackers performed well in midweek.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Stones, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Bernardo, Haaland, Foden
Oliver Thomas
