Boss Pep Guardiola is not convinced but it may be that Manchester City are back.
City have won their last three games, two in the league and Saturday’s 8-0 demolition of neighbours Salford City in the FA Cup, after emerging from a dismal run that saw them claim just one victory in 13.
And with reinforcements likely in the January window, it would be folly to rule City out of the title race just yet, even though they start this midweek round 12 points behind Liverpool having also played a game more.
Brentford are rarely easy opponents but Thomas Frank’s men have not been in great form recently.
They have won just one of their last five in the Premier League and slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Championship strugglers Plymouth in the FA Cup at the weekend.
