Back the champions for another big win

Manchester City are in ominous form. Pep Guardiola's side head into this fixture on the back of nine consecutive wins, a run which has seen them leap to the top of the Premier League table. City are now the clear favourites to win the title, with our traders rating their chances at 77% at the time of writing.

Only a couple of months ago, pundits questioned whether City could go the distance without a traditional centre-forward. They're now the joint-leading scorers in the division, having found the net 50 times in 19 matches. City are on course for another century of goals this term.

They didn't have everything their own way on Boxing Day. After racing into a 4-0 lead against Leicester City, the champions were pegged back to 4-3. The scare was only momentary, though, and City ultimately triumphed by three clear goals.

Another 6-3 win on Wednesday is unlikely, but this should be another comfortable evening for Guardiola's men. Take up the offer of 2.46 on City to win on the -2.5 Asian handicap.

Pep Guardiola's Man City have won nine games in a row

Brentford have caused the big boys problems

After a 16-day break brought on by an outbreak of Covid-19 in the camp, Brentford were back in action on Sunday. It wasn't a happy return, as the Bees lost 2-0 to Brighton.

That was their fifth consecutive away game without a win, but Thomas Frank's side have fared better on their own patch. Brentford have won their last two in west London, and they previously made life difficult for some of the visiting big boys: the Bees beat Arsenal, drew with Liverpool and were unfortunate to lose to Chelsea at their new stadium.

Stopping the City juggernaut is their toughest task yet, though. They could get on the scoresheet, particularly if their customary crosses into the box unsettle City's centre-backs, but the danger is that Guardiola's side will cut through them in transition. Either way, over 3.5 goals looks a good bet at 2.36.

De Bruyne back in form after slow start

Kevin De Bruyne was below par in the early weeks of the campaign. The Belgian said so himself, but there have been signs of late that he's getting back to his best. He's now scored three goals in his last three Premier League outings, including the opener against Leicester last time out.

It can be difficult to predict Guardiola's starting line-ups, but the fact De Bruyne came off 20 minutes before the end on Boxing Day suggests he will start this one. Back City's No.17 to find the net anytime at 2.82.

Recommended bets

Manchester City -2.5 Asian Handicap at 2.46

Over 3.5 goals at 2.36

Kevin De Bruyne to score anytime at 2.82