There is a sense of normalcy finally returning on the sky blue side of Manchester, as City bid for a fourth successive win in all competitions.
After recording back-to-back Premier League wins either side of New Year's Day, City produced a performance and result from their relentless approach at the weekend. Dispatching Salford 8-0 in the FA Cup third round.
Saturday's victory is not a major indicator that City will be challenging again soon, but it is undeniable that high spirits are starting to return to the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola may have some shiny new toys to play with before the end of the month too.
Next is a trip to the middle of the table Brentford The team on Tuesday evening. Here's how City could line up at Gtech.
Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega – It looks as if Ortega has taken over starting duties with Ederson starting in the cup on Saturday. That was the German's mission.
Right-back: Rico Luis – Kyle Walker may have already played his last game for the club Guardiola confirms that the veteran defender wants to leave. Louis is his successor.
Centre-back: Manuel Akanji – The Swiss defender is an option for Guardiola at right-back, but will start for now while John Stones and Ruben Dias are out.
Playmaker: Nathan Ake Guardiola desperately needs Ake to maintain his fitness given the precarious injury situation at City's centre-back. The Sky Blues are a better team with the Dutchman in the starting line-up.
Left-back: Josko Gvardiol It has been a mixed season for Gvardiol so far, and he would have enjoyed a break at the weekend before a busy end to January.
Midfielder: Mateo Kovacic – City are currently bereft of a dominant player in defensive transition with Rodri out, so Brentford will fancy their chances on the counter-attack through Bryan Mbeumo and Yoan Wissa. Expect Kovacic to make some tactical mistakes at the base of midfield.
RM: Savinio – The Brazilian is starting to feature in a City shirt, and it would not be surprising if he switched wings in west London given his recent success down the left flank.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – De Bruyne is certainly not the player he once was, but he would benefit from having the weekend off before Tuesday's game. The Belgian is still capable of penetrating a deep and compact defence, with his strikes from distance a potential source of goals on Tuesday.
AM: Phil Foden – While De Bruyne destroys the ball, Foden brings the precision and finesse required to work in and around Brentford's deep defensive block. The English player scored in his previous match in the English Premier League.
Champions League: Jeremy Doku – After scoring a brace at the weekend, Doku should retain his place in Guardiola's starting line-up despite Jack Grealish breaking his goalscoring drought with a penalty.
Striker: Erling Haaland – It's unlikely that Devin Mubama will steal any minutes from him Haaland During the second half of the season, but potential newcomer Omar Marmoush may as well be. The North striker was excellent in the reverse fixture, scoring twice after Brentford had opened the scoring inside 22 seconds.
