Manchester City host Brentford this Saturday knowing that three points are absolutely necessary to keep their title hopes alive. Even with a victory, it is likely that it will be too little too late for Pep Guardiola’s side.
City in need of a favor
After a chaotic 3-3 draw against Everton on Monday night, the title is no longer in City’s hands – they will need a massive favour from somebody and with just three matches remaining, their options are severely limited.
Arsenal’s final match of the season, away against Crystal Palace, looks like a difficult one on paper however it is transformed by its circumstances. The Eagles will be playing just three days ahead of the UEFA Conference League final – the first European final in the club’s history. With such a momentous occasion on the horizon, it is almost certain that Oliver Glasner will name a heavily-rotated side. As such, the challenge awaiting Mikel Arteta’s side at Selhurst Park will be profoundly diminished.
The Gunners’ penultimate game is expected to be an even more straightforward affair. At home against an already-relegated and managerless Burnley, it should be a procession for Arsenal. This leaves just one fixture where Arsenal will feel there is real danger of dropping points, as City so desperately need them to.
Arteta’s side take on West Ham away this Sunday. With the Hammers battling for their survival, they will be sure to put up a genuine fight. West Ham have a strong track record against the Gunners too, taking points off them in each of the last three seasons. It is perhaps this that still offers a glimmer of hope to City. However the result of that match will be meaningless in the context of the title race, if Guardiola’s side do not first get the job done against Brentford.
Brentford dreaming big
Brentford will be by no means a walkover for the hosts at the Etihad. The Bees continue to chase their own lofty ambitions, and the dream of Champions League qualification is still alive for a team that have never once competed in any competition on the continent before.
Currently placed seventh, Keith Andrews’ side are just one point behind Bournemouth in sixth. In very specific circumstances, that sixth position in the Premier League could earn Champions League qualification. That would be the case if Aston Villa, currently placed fifth, finish in fifth place and go on to win the Europa League final later this month.
It is a reality that would have been unimaginable for even the most optimistic Brentford supporter ahead of the campaign. The Bees came into the season with many expecting them to be embroiled in a relegation dogfight. However, Andrews has worked wonders in his maiden managerial campaign and club history could soon be made.
Premier League’s top marksmen on display
Brentford’s form has been boosted in no small part by a revelation up front in the form of Igor Thiago. Previously relatively unheard of, the 24-year-old has exploded into life this season, earning an international call-up from Carlo Ancelotti and scoring his first goal for Brazil. Thiago has been unstoppable for the Bees this campaign, firing in 22 league goals.
His tally is only bettered by one man in the Premier League – Erling Haaland, with 25 goals. The Norwegian will lineup against the only man that threatens to steal the Golden Boot away from him this Saturday.
They will also be joined on the pitch by Antoine Semenyo, who sits third in the Premier League scoring charts. The divisions three highest scorers will all be present at the Etihad on Saturday, a prospect which suggests goals will be in the offing when the two sides clash.
Defensive concerns
Goals are also likely given City’s last result against Everton on Monday night, almost certainly a product of Rodri’s absence. The Blues had conceded just one goal in their last four matches with the Spaniard. However, as soon as the Ballon D’Or-winning midfielder has been sidelined, City’s defensive frailties have again come to the surface.
An inability to remain solid without Rodri has plagued City across the past two seasons, consistently re-emerging has a problem that has not been sufficiently solved. Guardiola confirmed that the midfielder has only just retired to training. He is unlikely to feature against Brentford and may be a doubt for the FA Cup final next weekend. Guardiola’s outfit must find a way to be defensively secure without Rodri – both for the present and the future.
