Newcastle vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League team news, line-ups and more today

Newcastle host Chelsea in this Premier League clash which could have a big impact on the top four race. The Magpies sit third in the table after a seriously impressive start and will secure that place for the World Cup break if they defeat Graham Potter’s men at St. James’ Park. The hosts start the match six points clear of Chelsea and can extend that to nine making a top four finish tricky for the Blues.

Newcastle have won their last four matches, with Miguel Almiron playing like a man possessed with insatiable goal-scoring hunger. The forward won the Premier League’s player of the month award thanks to six goals in six games whilst Eddie Howe was also named manager of the month for leading the North East side up the table.

In contrast, the pressure on Potter is ramping up following a run of four Premier League games in a row without a win for Chelsea. Back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Arsenal are a significant concern ahead of the World Cup but Chelsea can ease the pressure by defeating Newcastle and closing the gap on the top four.

Follow all the action as Newcastle play Chelsea in their final match before the World Cup break:

Newcastle vs Chelsea

• Kick off is 5.30pm at St. James’ Park

• Third placed Newcastle will remain in top four with victory

• Chelsea six points behind the Magpies and will fall further away with defeat

Newcastle United FC - Chelsea FC

Premier League half-time scores

15:54 , Michael Jones

There are a few intriguing half-time scores around the Premier League. Here’s how things stand:

Bournemouth 2-0 Everton

Liverpool 3-1 Southampton

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Crystal Palace

Tottenham 1-2 Leeds

West Ham 0-1 Leicester

Ivan Toney scores twice to hand Brentford late shock win at Man City

15:13 , Michael Jones

Ivan Toney responded to his World Cup omission by scoring both goals as Brentford claimed a stunning 2-1 win at Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Bees forward, left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar this week, netted a stoppage-time winner at the Etihad Stadium to condemn City to a shock loss in their final match before the break.

Toney, outstanding throughout, had put Brentford ahead on 16 minutes only for Phil Foden to level on the stroke of half-time.

Both sides had opportunities in the second half but Toney had the final say deep into the 10 minutes of time added on, ending City’s run of 11 straight home league wins.

Ivan Toney scores twice to hand Brentford late shock win at Man City

FT Man City 1-2 Brentford

15:06 , Michael Jones

Brentford manager Thomas Frank speaking after his team’s victory over Manchester City: “One of the most satisfying wins we’ve had, I think the play-off final will always be the one, getting us to the promised land. But, of course, it is up there.

“Speaking to some people from the club, this is probably the single biggest ever result, against one of the richest clubs in the world and we have one of the lowest budgets in the division. We’re just a bus stop in Hounslow.

“From my perspective, it was well deserved if you look at the chances. I think we eliminated them. I’m unbelievably proud. We’re missing four of our starters as well. Mind-blowing performance.

“Fantastic, I can’t praise him [Ivan Toney] enough. How good a person he is, his emotional intelligence with his team-mates and everyone around the club. But also, what a player! What a striker! He scored two, probably should have score one more. A hat-trick here, I thought that was only for Haaland.”

FT Man City 1-2 Brentford

14:59 , Michael Jones

Reaction from Brentford’s matchwinner, Ivan Toney, whol told BT Sport: “We’ve just got to keep doing well and keep doing our best.

“I know what I’m capable of and I’ll keep going. The motivation is the boys in the dressing room and the fans.

“What we do week in week out on the training pitch shows that we’re capable of this. They might be Manchester City but they’re humans and humans make mistakes.”

FT Man City 1-2 Brentford

14:55 , Michael Jones

That result means that Arsenal will top the Premier League table during the World Cup and they can extend their lead over Manchester City to five if they defeat Wolves away from home later this evening.

It’s a good start to the day for Mikel Arteta and the Gunners.

FT Man City 1-2 Brentford

14:52 , Michael Jones

FT Man City 1-2 Brentford

14:48 , Michael Jones

Ivan Toney has scored 2+ goals on three occasions in the Premier League this season; only Erling Haaland (5) has done so in more different matches.

3 v Leeds United

2 v Brighton

2 v Manchester City

FT Man City 1-2 Brentford

14:45 , Michael Jones

Brentford and Ivan Toney end Manchester City’s 16-game unbeaten streak at home.

Full-time: Man City 1-2 Brentford

14:34 , Michael Jones

90+10 mins: There it is! Brentford have turned Manchester City over at the Etihad stadium. City never looked at their fluid best today and a brilliant gameplan from Thomas Frank has paid off for the visitors.

On the week he was snubbed of a place in the England squad, Ivan Toney stepped up with a brace to move Brentford into the top 10!

GOAL! Man City 1-2 Brentford (Toney, 90+8’)⚽️

14:30 , Michael Jones

90+8 mins: Ivan Toney! Has he won the game for Brentford?!

Yoane Wissa collects the ball from a Brentford clearance and sprints up the pitch on the counter-attack. The Bees commit men up the pitch and overload City.

Wissa sends it over to Josh Dasilva who moves into the right side of the box and squares the ball. Ivan Toney gets clear and turns his first-time effort past Ederson to give Brentford the win!

Man City 1-1 Brentford

14:27 , Michael Jones

90+5 mins: Brentford have been impressive today. They don’t deserve to lose this game and at the minute the signs are good for them. A throw from Jensen is worked across the pitch before Brentford dink one into the box for Toney. He holds the ball up and ekes out a few more seconds before knocking it behind for a goal kick.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

14:23 , Michael Jones

90+2 mins: Save! Brentford send a free kick over to the right side of the pitch before slipping a pass into Ivan Toney. He receives the ball inside the box and shimmies around Foden before smoking a shot towards the near post.

Ederson is well positioned though and easily palms the ball behind for a corner.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

14:22 , Michael Jones

90 mins: There’s going to be 10 minutes of stoppage time to play after Laporte’s injury and a bunch of substitutions. 10 minutes is plenty of time of one of these teams to score a winner.

City left it late last time out in the league, will they score another late winner today?

Man City 1-1 Brentford

14:18 , Michael Jones

87 mins: Joao Cancelo is booked for diving! He weaves into the box and Zanka sticks out a leg before withdrawing his boot just as Cancelo arrives.

The defender throws himself to ground expecting the tackle that never comes and the referee spots it all. He pulls out the yellow card straight away. The officials have had a few big decisions to make in this game and so far they’ve got every one spot on.

Josh Dasilva is brought on for Brentford to replace Frank Onyeka. Cancelo is replaced with Julian Alvarez for City.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

14:15 , Michael Jones

84 mins: Kevin De Bruyne receives the ball on the right side and brings it to the edge of the box. He’s got an angle to shoot and hits a low left-footed effort towards the near post but David Raya leaps low and smothers the effort.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

14:14 , Michael Jones

81 mins: Mathias Jensen swings the free kick into the box with Ethan Pinnock the seeming target. Not even the big Brentford centre-back can get to it though and City deal with the set piece.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

14:12 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Brentford have been a bit more lively in the attacking third as they half has gone on. Roerslev in particular is providing an option on the right side.

Wissa tries to make a run into the box off the ball but he’s dragged down by Foden who gifts a free kick to the Bees.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

14:09 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Bryan Mbeumo is replaced with Yoane Wissa for the Bees.

Rico Henry gives the ball to Mathias Jensen who whips a cross into the Man City box. Ivan Toney gets to it over by the back post but his knockdown is cleared by Laporte.

De Bruyne is almost played away on the counter but his curling pass across to Haaland is poor and instead he sends it straight to David Raya.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

14:04 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Chance! A counter-attack from Brentford almost puts them in front once more!

Rico Henry is sent sprinting down the left wing and he carries the ball into the penalty area having blitzed his way around John Stones.

Henry then squares the ball across to the arriving Ivan Toney but Aymeric Laporte dives in front of the striker and deflects the ball to safety.

Brilliant defending.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

14:02 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Mads Roerslev is given the ball on the right wing by Ivan Toney and the right-back bursts up the pitch. He fizzes in a cross but sends it straight into the waiting arms of Ederson.

At the other end of the pitch Stones flicks a cross into the box but Rico Henry blocks it and Mathias Jensen completes the clearance.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:59 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Oh my! A flowing one-touch move from City should have resulted in a goal. De Bruyne threads the ball across to Gundogan from the right wing and the German slides it into the box for Haaland.

Haaland rolls the ball back to Gundogan who looks to lift the ball into the far corner but instead hooks it well over the crossbar.

The midfielder sinks to his knees after that effort, he knows he should have done better.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:54 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Thomas Frank goes to the bench and introduces Christian Norgaard in place of Vitaly Janelt. Norgaard is more of a playmaking midfielder and could be crucial in transitioning Brentford from defence into attack.

There’s another break in play as the assistant referee’s communication pack has a problem.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:53 , Michael Jones

60 mins: Brentford continue to defend brilliantly. Gundogan makes a run to the byline and keeps the ball alive. He cuts inside and lifts a cross over to Haaland but the ball goes over the Norwegian’s head.

De Bruyne recovers it and sends another cross into the box but Foden can’t reach this one and Brentford boot it away.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:49 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Laporte is back on his feet and will continue for Manchester City. The stoppage was seven minutes long which will be added on at the end of the half.

Close! The ball comes into the Brentford box from the right side and bounces through to Cancelo. He thinks about shooting but takes a touch then drills a low shot at goal. Zanka gets in the way and deflects it wide of the far post.

Corner to City.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:47 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Laporte has been receiving treatment for around three minutes now. The cut on his head has been cleaned up and he’s been wrapped in a bandage.

No doubt a concussion test has also taken place but for now the game is still paused. No wrod on whether he’ll be able to play on but the signs are looking okay.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:42 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Ouch! City cross the ball into the middle of the penalty area and there’s a cluster of bodies that rise to win it. One of them is Aymeric Laporte who takes a stray elbow to the face and stays down after the move.

There’s a bit of blood on show and the Manchester City medical staff come out to see to him.

Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:41 , Michael Jones

48 mins: John Stones gets forward on the right to link up with Bernardo Silva. Bernardo tries to slide a pass into the box but Ben Mee gets the block in.

City recover the ball and work it across to Cancelo. He flicks an aerial pass over to the back post where Bernardo pops up and nods it across the area and Brentford send it behind for a corner.

Second half: Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:37 , Michael Jones

Kick off: City get the match restarted after half-time. There’s been no changes from either manager as City slowly push their way back up the pitch.

HT Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:30 , Michael Jones

Brentford ready for challenge of stopping ‘machine’ Erling Haaland

Thomas Frank admitted Brentford face their toughest test yet when they travel to Manchester City for their final match before the World Cup.

The 11th-placed Bees have won just one of their last five top-flight games, while City are looking to extend their winning streak to four and boost their chances of topping the table at the break.

It is now Brentford’s turn to attempt what many other clubs have failed to accomplish so far this season: stop prolific City striker Erling Haaland.

Brentford ready for challenge of stopping ‘machine’ Erling Haaland

HT Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:26 , Michael Jones

Phil Foden cancels out Ivan Toney’s opener just before half-time after a slow start from Manchester City.

Half-time: Man City 1-1 Brentford

13:22 , Michael Jones

45+3 mins: Phil Foden’s half-volley sends Man City into the half-time break on level terms after an impressive start from Brentford saw Ivan Toney nod them in front.

The Bees then sat back and invited pressure which allowed City into the game. The dominated possession and finally converted from a set piece.

All to play for in the second half.

GOAL! Man City 1-1 Brentford (Foden, 45+2)⚽️

13:20 , Michael Jones

45+2 mins: What a strike! Man City win a corner that Kevin De Bruyne swings into the box. His cross drops over the head of Manuel Akanji but bounces up kindly for Phil Foden.

He drills a left-footed effort on the half-volley and smokes it past David Raya in Brentford’s goal.

Fantastic finish from the Englishman.

Man City 0-1 Brentford

13:18 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Nearly! The ball comes into the midfield and Vitaly Janelt beats Haaland to it. He nods it on to Ivan Toney who flicks a pass in behind for Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo doesn’t have much room to operate from but decides to poke one towards goal from the edge of the box and only manages to send it into the hands of Ederson.

Three minutes of added time to play.

Man City 0-1 Brentford

13:13 , Michael Jones

42 mins: Save! City move up the pitch quickly once again. Bernardo gives the ball to De Bruyne who laces it up to Foden on the left.

Foden drives into the penalty and smokes a shot towards the near post but David Raya has it covered and gets tow hands to the ball to keep it out.

Man City 0-1 Brentford

13:11 , Michael Jones

39 mins: A sweeping move sees Cancelo drive inside from the right before threading the ball over to Bernardo Silva. He slides a pass into the box for Kevin De Bruyne whose cross is deflected behind by Ben Mee.

Corner to City.

Man City 0-1 Brentford

13:08 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Bernardo Silva sends a pass over to Joao Cancelo on the left side of the pitch. City are almost camped on the edge of the Brentford box and Cancelo flicks the ball into the middle.

Ben Mee rises to get to it first and nods the ball over to Rico Henry who boots it clear. Solid defending from the Bees.

Man City 0-1 Brentford

13:06 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Kevin De Bruyne whips a corner into the box for Manchester City and some solid initial defending from Brentford sees them nod the ball over to the far side of the box. Ilkay Gundogan brings it under control and shifts it to the byline.

He drills a low cross into the middle but David Raya gets low and scoops it up.

Man City 0-1 Brentford

13:02 , Michael Jones

30 mins: It’s very scrappy now! City cross a free kick into the Brentford box and Haaland goes down under pressure. The home side want a penalty but play goes on.

De Bruyne makes a run down the right side of the area as the ball is slipped into him. He cuts inside of Rice Henry, feels some contact and drops to the floor.

That’s three penalty shouts in five minutes from City but the referee - the VAR - says that none of them are valid.

Man City 0-1 Brentford

13:00 , Michael Jones

27 mins: No penalty! VAR took a look at the incident and couldn’t find any evidence to say that Henry handled the ball inside the area. He was right on the line and the video angles were not sufficient to overturn the on field decision of no penalty from the referee.

City are not impressed.

Man City 0-1 Brentford

12:59 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Rodri receives the ball well outside the box and hits one from range but smokes his effort high and wide.

City come again down the right side and slip Bernardo Silva to the byline. He keeps the ball alive and looks to flick it over Rice Henry’s head.

The defender sticks out an arm and stops the ball sending City erupting in appeals for handball and a penalty.

Man City 0-1 Brentford

12:57 , Michael Jones

20 mins: City are controlling the possession now as Brentford sit back and look to hold their lead. It’s no more than they deserve after this start though, Thomas Frank’s side have created three or four good chances already.

Brentford are unbeaten in 15 Premier League games when opening the scoring (W12 D3).

GOAL! Man City 0-1 Brentford (Toney, 16’)⚽️

12:48 , Michael Jones

16 mins: Brentford take the lead!

The Bees win a free kick inside their own half and David Raya belts it long up the pitch. Ben Mee wins the initial ball and nods it into the box for Ivan Toney.

He climbs over Aymeric Laporte and turns a header of his own past Ederson to send Brentford in front.

Man City 0-0 Brentford

12:46 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Good defending from Brentford! City recover the ball inside their own half and look to kick forward on the counter. De Bruyne carries the ball up the pitch before sliding it to Phil Foden on the left wing.

Erling Haaland makes a run into the area as Brentford scramble to get men back to defend. Foden decides not to pass to him and cuts the ball back to De Bruyne who shoots from the edge of the box and sees Frank Onyeka block the effort.

Man City 0-0 Brentford

12:44 , Michael Jones

12 mins: City’s corner results in Haaland taking a snapshot on the left side of the box but Ben Mee gets across and blocks the effort before Brentford clear their lines.

City have started to settle into the game although Ederson scuffs a pass over to the right wing and sends it out for a Brentford throw-in.

Man City 0-0 Brentford

12:43 , Michael Jones

9 mins: Oh close! City push up the pitch and work the ball around the edge of the penalty area as Brentford get men back to defend. Kevin De Bruyne floats a cross over to the back post where Erling Haaland shuffled in behind the back line.

He meets the ball on the volley but doesn’t have an angle to shoot. Instead he dinks it back across goal to set up Ilkay Gundogan but the ball just drops over the top of the midfielder’s head and Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen turns it behind for a corner.

Man City 0-0 Brentford

12:40 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Chances! Brentford are on the front foot and Ederson is keeping City in the game. The Bees sweep up the pitch on the counter attack with Rice Henry bringing the ball down the left wing.

He sends an early cross into the box and Ederson flaps it over to Bryan Mbeumo. He squares the ball to Ivan Toney who has plenty of time to set himself.

He should score really but Ederson leaps across to the right and clings onto the ball and Toney turns it towards goal. Great opportunity for Brentford to take the lead.

Man City 0-0 Brentford

12:37 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Chance! Brentford have the first real opportunity to score as the ball is booted up the pitch. It gets headed down to Rice Henry who slides a hopeful pass into the box.

Frank Onyeka makes a run from deep in midfield and flies through the lines before collecting the ball and taking a right-footed shot. Ederson is quick off his line though and he charges down the attacker blocking the effort with his chest.

Good save from the Man City goalkeeper.

Kick off: Man City 0-0 Brentford

12:33 , Michael Jones

The Bees get the match underway and work the ball over to the left side of City’s final third. The visitors send the ball into the penalty area but Manuel Akanji gets to the aerial ball and nods it clear.

Man City vs Brentford

12:32 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola and Thomas Frank bring wreaths out onto the pitch, laying them down by the touchline. There’s a minute’s silence before kick-off.

Almost time for kick off

12:25 , Michael Jones

Are Manchester City going to finish the day at the top of the table? They’ll need to beat Brentford to do so.

Another record for City?

12:23 , Michael Jones

Manchester City can match the Premier League record of scoring multiple goals in 16 successive home fixtures, set by Liverpool from February to December 2019 if they bag two or more against the Bees this afternoon.

50 up for Mbeumo

12:18 , Michael Jones

Bryan Mbeumo is poised to become the first player to make 50 Premier League appearances for Brentford on Saturday.

Frank on Haaland

12:13 , Michael Jones

Thomas Frank would have been hoping that Erling Haaland wasn’t fit to face his team this afternoon but alas that is not the case. The Brentford boss spoke about the Norwegian striker during his press conference and was very complimentary about his abilities.

“He is a goal machine who will break records,” said Frank. “They provide him with the best possibilities to score so it is about trying to stop the source.

“We have never gone into a game without belief of being capable of winning. It’s going to be unbelievably difficult against potentially the best team in the world.”

The goal scoring machine

12:08 , Michael Jones

Erling Haaland has scored 18 goals in 12 Premier League appearances. The fewest games needed to reach 20 goals is 21 by Kevin Phillips.

He can become the first Manchester City player to score in seven consecutive top-flight home matches since David White from December 1991 to February 1992.

Premier League talking points ahead of World Cup

12:02 , Michael Jones

Fingers crossed everyone…

Gareth Southgate look away.

The 26-man England squad face one more round of fixtures before jetting off to Qatar and the Three Lions boss will be desperate to avoid any more untimely injuries, having already lost Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

England’s hopes of success will rest on Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Declan Rice et al coming through the weekend unscathed.

Premier League talking points ahead of World Cup

11:57 , Michael Jones

Who’ll top the tree at Christmas?

It comes round earlier every year, doesn’t it?

The race to be Christmas number one will be decided this weekend with Arsenal and City vying for top spot.

The Gunners are currently two points clear and head to lowly Wolves while City, with a superior goal difference, entertain erratic Brentford.

In 10 of the last 13 seasons the team at the summit over the festive period have gone on to win the title. Starting to believe yet, Arsenal fans?

Leaky defence

11:53 , Michael Jones

Brentford are winless in all seven Premier League away trips this season, with four draws and three defeats. The Bees have also only kept one clean sheet in their past 23 away games, conceding 51 goals.

Manc City to face Liverpool in post-World Cup Carabao Cup clash

11:48 , Michael Jones

Carabao Cup holders Liverpool will face Premier League champions Manchester City in the fourth round.

The ties are set to be played week commencing December 19 - just after the World Cup final in Qatar.

With the Premier League not set to resume until Boxing Day, it remains to be seen which top-flight players will be involved in the domestic cup competition.

Liverpool edged past Derby after a penalty shootout, while City beat Chelsea, last season’s Carabao Cup runners-up.

The two sides also met ahead of the new campaign in the FA Community Shield, with Liverpool running out 3-1 winners.

Liverpool to face Man City in post-World Cup Carabao Cup clash

City flying at home

11:43 , Michael Jones

Manchester City have equalled the club record of 16 consecutive home wins in all competitions, set between November 1920 and August 1921.

It’s 11 home league victories in a row for Pep Guardiola’ side, their best run since a 14-match streak in 2017-18.

Man City vs Brentford team news

11:37 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola has made eight changes from the Manchester City team that defeated Chelsea in the Carabao Cup during the week. Ilkay Gundogan, Aymeric Laporte and Rodri keep their places and there for returns for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. Erling Haaland also starts after his foot issues.

There are three changes to the Brentford side that drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest last time out. Ivan Toney returns to lead the line with Frank Onyeka and Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jørgensen slotting back in.

Man City vs Brentford line-ups

11:31 , Michael Jones

Man City XI: Ederson, Stones, Akanji, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Bernardo, Haaland, Foden

Brentford XI: Raya, Roerslev, Zanka, Mee, Pinnock, Henry, Onyeka, Janelt, Jensen, Mbeumo, Toney

Brentford eyeing up top 10

11:28 , Michael Jones

If Brentford manage to take points away from Manchester City this afternoon it’ll be a fantastic outing for Thomas Frank’s side.

The Bees currently sit 11th in the Premier League table and a win today would move them into the top 10 ahead of the rest of this weekend’s fixtures.

It would also put them seven points clear of the relegation zone. Should other results fall their way Brentford could head into the World Cup inside the top 10 which would be a brilliant start after the first chunk of the season.

Can they shock Man City and earn a win at the Etihad?

Will Haaland start for City?

11:23 , Michael Jones

Not that I’m reading into things but does this Twitter post from the Manchester City account hint that Erling Haaland is fit and ready to go?

The prolific striker has been troubled by a fit injury and it is unclear whether he would play in this match. We’ll find out shortly when the team news drops.

Thomas Frank reacts to Ivan Toney’s England World Cup omission

11:18 , Michael Jones

Thomas Frank defended England boss Gareth Southgate’s decision-making despite Brentford striker Ivan Toney’s omission from the World Cup squad.

Toney has scored eight goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season, with many believing he had made enough of a case for selection.

But Toney’s name was not among the eight forwards named on Thursday, while Newcastle’s Callum Wilson and Leicester’s James Maddison made the 26-man squad headed to Qatar.

“I said (to Toney) these coaches, they don’t always take the best decisions, including myself,” Frank told a press conference.

Thomas Frank reacts to Ivan Toney’s England World Cup omission

Guardiola on ‘special moment’ after beating Fulham

11:13 , Michael Jones

Manchester City’s last outing in the Premier League was a tense affair after Joao Cancelo get sent off against Fulham. The game was tied 1-1 heading into stoppage but a penalty for City saw Erling Haaland convert from the spot and give the 10-man side a last minute victory.

“It was a special moment. 10 against 11,” said Guardiola reflecting on the dramatic victory over the Cottagers. “We score in the last minutes. The people were there. Never go home.

“I said many times to the players when we play away ‘go to our fans and stay there’. Not five seconds. Stay there a little bit long. Because we cannot enjoy only when we lift the trophies. It’s ridiculous.

“There are moments during the season. There are games, special games, where you have to share it. To see the faces, the happy faces, of the people. You have to do it.”

Man City vs Brentford

11:07 , Michael Jones

Brentford have lost four consecutive matches against Manchester City in all competitions since a 2-1 victory at Griffin Park in the League Cup in September 1989.

They met in the league for the first time in 70 years last season as City won 1-0 away and then 2-0 at home.

The Bees have also lost six of their seven away games versus Manchester City in all competitions, with the exception being a 2-0 top-flight victory at Maine Road on Christmas Day 1937.

Frank on facing Man City

11:01 , Michael Jones

Brentford boss, Thomas Frank, believes that today’s encounter with Manchester City will be a difficult affair for his side but has faith that his players can rise to the challenge and cause some problems for the Premier League champions.

“Is it going to be difficult? It’ll be unbelievably difficult,” he said,

“They have an almost complete squad and added [Erling] Haaland who will be destroying goal records in the coming years. A lot has been said about him – he is a machine. They are an unbelievably difficult side to close down, but I back us to do something.

“We have never, ever gone into a game believing that we’re not capable of winning.”

Pep Guardiola believes he can never replicate what he has at Manchester City

10:55 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola feels he is unlikely to find a better club to manage than Manchester City.

The inspirational Catalan is in the final year of his contract as City boss and has consistently brushed off questions over whether he might extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Yet the 51-year-old was similarly relaxed about both of his previous two renewals and he maintains a decision will be made when the time is right.

Guardiola has won nine major trophies, including four Premier League titles, since taking over at City in 2016.

Pep Guardiola believes he can never replicate what he has at Manchester City

Man City vs Brentford early team news and predicted line-ups

10:45 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola did not confirm whether or not Erling Haaland would be available, so the striker remains a doubt due to a foot injury.

“We will see,” Guardiola said on Friday. “We have training this afternoon. He is a little bit better.” Kalvin Phillips is ready to start if needed but Kyle Walker remains out.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney is available to lead the line after serving a one-match suspension in the 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest.

Predicted line-ups

Manchester City: Ederson; Stones, Akanki, Dias, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Mahrez, Alvarez, Foden

Brentford: Raya; Jorgensen, Mee, Pinnock; Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Dasilva, Henry; Mbeumo, Toney

Man City vs Brentford

10:31 , Michael Jones

The final weekend for Premier League action before the World Cup gets underway at the Etihad stadium where Manchester City will host Brentford in the 12.30pm kick off.

Pep Guardiola’s side will have hopes off heading into the break at the top of the Premier League table but they will need to win against the Bees to do so. The current league leaders, Arsenal, are two points clear of City and take on Wolves later this evening so a win for the Manchester club this morning would put the pressure back on the Gunners.

Brentford are no pushovers though and will give it a go against the Premier League champions. Thomas Frank’s side are not in the best of form. They haven’t won in five games across all competitions including losing a Carabao Cup third round tie against League Two’s Gillingham (on penalties) last time out. The Bees are bolstered by the return of Ivan Toney who will hope to impress after missing out on a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad.

Afterwards there are five 3pm kick offs before Newcastle host Chelsea at 5.30pm and Wolves take on Arsenal in a late 7.45pm kick off to round out the day’s play.

Follow all of The Independent’s coverage from the Premier League right here.