On Manchester's sky-blue side, things are finally returning to normal as City looks to win four straight games across all competitions.
Following back-to-back Premier League victories on either side of New Year's Day, City unleashed their brutal best performance and outcome this past weekend, defeating Salford 8-0 in the FA Cup third round.
Although Saturday's victory isn't a clear sign that City will soon be a threat once more, there's little doubt that positive vibes are beginning to spread throughout the Etihad. Before the month is out, Pep Guardiola might also have some new, shiny toys to play with.
Next up is Tuesday night's trip to Brentford, a team in the middle of the standings.
Here's how mancity line up could look like
Man City predicted lineup vs Brentford [4-1-4-1]
GK: Stefan Ortega – Given that Ederson will start in the cup on Saturday, Ortega appears to have assumed the number one role. The German used to do that.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – Gvardiol has had a mixed season so far, and he would have relished his weekend getaway before a hectic end to January.
CB: Nathan Ake – Given City's fragile injury issue at the core of their defense, Guardiola is in dire need of Ake staying healthy. With the Dutchman in the starting lineup, the Sky Blues are a stronger squad.
CB: Manuel Akanji – While John Stones and Ruben Dias are sidelined, the Swiss defender will start centrally for the time being, though Guardiola may use him at right-back.
RB: Rico Lewis – Given that Guardiola has confirmed that the experienced defender wants to leave, Kyle Walker may have already played his final game for the team. His successor is Lewis.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – With Rodri sidelined, City is now lacking a dominant defensive transition player, therefore Brentford will bet on their prospects of counterattacking with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. At the base of midfield, Kovacic is likely to commit a few tactical fouls.
LM: Jeremy Doku – Even if Jack Grealish finally ended his goal drought from the spot, Doku should still be in Guardiola's starting lineup after recording a brace over the weekend.
AM: Phil Foden – Foden provides the necessary delicacy and skill to work in and around Brentford's deep defensive block, while De Bruyne provides the destruction. In his most recent Premier League appearance, the Englishman scored.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – De Bruyne is undoubtedly not the player he used to be, but going into Tuesday's game, he will benefit from having the weekend off. The Belgian's ball striking from a distance might lead to goals on Tuesday, and he's still capable of breaking through a deep, compact defense.
RM: Savinho – Given his recent success down the left, it wouldn't be shocking if the Brazilian switched flanks in west London as he is beginning to establish himself in a City shirt.
ST: Erling Haaland – During the second half of the season, Divin Mubama is not likely to steal any minutes from Haaland, but Omar Marmoush, a possible new addition, might. Brentford took the lead just 22 seconds, but the Nordic attacker was outstanding in the rematch, scoring twice.
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