Manchester City are unbeaten in five meetings with Brentford, winning winning eight of their 11 encounters since the first leg of a League Cup tie 36 years ago.
The Bees have lost eight of their ten away matches against the Sky Blues.
Manchester City vs Brentford preview
Not so long ago, Manchester City were the Carabao Cup kings, so will they now move one step closer to regaining the trophy? Since 2014, the Citizens have won this competition on six occasions, including winning four finals on the spin between 2018 and 2021. However, since, they have gone no further than the quarter-finals, very much favourites to change that fact come Wednesday night. So far this year, Pep Guardiola's team have enjoyed comfortable away wins at both Huddersfield and Swansea; Jérémy Doku, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki all on target in South Wales.
Meantime, the Sky Blues are starting to click into gear in other competitions too. A week ago, they fought back from a goal down to defeat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabéu in the Champions League, with Nico O'Reilly and Erling Braut Håland the scorers. Then, on Sunday, Håland's double saw Man City beat Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst, securing a fourth successive Premier League win. Thus, it would be a major surprise if Guardiola's team did not book their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
As for Brentford, following victories over Bournemouth, Aston Villa and then Grimsby, they're dreaming of featuring in just a second-ever League Cup semi-final. However, given that Keith Andrews' side have been handed this nightmare draw, that bubble of optimism has been burst somewhat, especially considering this tie is away from home.
In the Premier League this season, the Bees have lost seven of eight fixtures on the road, most-recently beaten 2-0 at both Arsenal and Tottenham, the sole exception a victory over a hapless West Ham in October. In contrast, at home, Brentford remain pretty impenetrable. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds on Sunday, Jordan Henderson breaking the deadlock, meaning only one visiting side has left the Gtech victorious so far, but that is Manchester City. This impressive home form won't help Andrews' team much here though, needing to pull off a massive shock to progress through this one.
Manchester City vs Brentford head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 22.
- Manchester City Wins: 13. Draws: 2. Brentford Wins: 7.
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola remains without Rodri and Mateo Kovačić, while Jérémy Doku missed Sunday's victory at Selhurst due to a leg injury, thereby unlikely to feature.
Meantime, both Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are now in Morocco ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, limiting Man City's options.
Despite being a serial Carabao Cup winner, Guardiola has previously described this competition as not a priority, so will heavily rotate, as he did when Bayer Leverkusen visited the Etihad three weeks ago. Thus, James Trafford will be donning the gloves, with Abdukodir Khusanov, Nathan Aké, Rico Lewis, Savinho and Oscar Bobb among those set for rare starts.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Brentford: (4-3-3): Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Khusanov, Aké; Nico, Reijnders, Musaka; Savinho, Bobb, Foden.
Manchester City player to watch vs Brentford
18 year old Divine Mukasa has started both EFL Cup ties so far, thereby likely to be given another opportunities to showcase his talent, having scored four in four UEFA Youth League fixtures this season.
Brentford team news
One feels as though if Keith Andrews harbours any hopes of a massive upset in this one, he cannot afford to rotate as much as his opposite number is expected to.
In fact, first-choice midfielders Mikkel Damsgaard and Yehor Yarmoliuk were on the bench on Sunday, likely to return in place of Vitaly Janelt of Mathias Jensen.
In attack, Kevin Schade will return, having been suspended at the weekend, coming in for AFCON-bound Dango Ouattara, while Antoni Milambo and Fábio Carvalho are injured long-term.
Brentford predicted lineup vs Manchester City: (5-3-2): Valdimarsson; Kayode, Collins, van den Berg, Ajer, Henry; Henderson, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard; Schade, Thiago.
Brentford player to watch vs Manchester City
Igor Thiago has 12 goals to his name this season, on target at Bournemouth in round two, so could he help the Bees spring a surprise at the Etihad?
Manchester City vs Brentford prediction
Even if Brentford go full strength and Man City heavily rotate, as expected, we believe the Sky Blues will be simply too strong and book their place in the semi-finals: Manchester City 3-1 Brentford.
Manchester City vs Brentford FAQs - Carabao Cup quarter-final
How to watch Manchester City vs Brentford in the Carabao Cup on TV channel?
Manchester City vs Brentford in the Carabao Cup will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Manchester City vs Brentford in the Carabao Cup on live streaming?
Manchester City vs Brentford in the Carabao Cup will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Brentford in the Carabao Cup?
Manchester City vs Brentford takes place on Wednesday 17 December 2025, with kick off at 19:30 (GMT), 14:30 (EDT) & 11:30 (PT).