Pep Guardiola has explained his thinking behind a curious Manchester City starting line-up vs Brentford, which saw John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias all playing.
Regular right-back Kyle Walker was dropped to the bench, with the versatile Joao Cancelo starting as the only recognised full-back in the City team to face Brentford. Guardiola had warned against the Bees' set piece threats before the game, and used Nathan Ake at left-back in the reverse fixture in London in December.
That appears to have influenced his thinking on Wednesday at the Etihad, with three commanding centre-backs picked, along with the returning Rodri, for the home clash with Thomas Frank's men.
Speaking to BT Sport, Guardiola didn't directly refer to the defensive selection, but did suggest he was open to giving all players a chance to play when asked about Raheem Sterling's inclusion.
"We arrive at an important part of the season, what we have done in the last six years we will continue what we have done, everyone continues to be involved," he said.
"Some more than others. They have to be good to play more than I think."
When referring to Brentford's qualities, Guardiola might have given something of an explanation to his defensive selection, urging City not to concede any fouls and to keep the tempo as quick as possible against the Bees.
He said: "What they do they do really well, today Toney is not there for the link for the central defender. They make two or three areas high pressing. After they stay high, but when you arrive in final third they defend so deep. It's so difficult to attack.
"You have to stay patient, not concede fouls because in the set pieces and corners they are the best in the best team in the Premier League for average. We have to be alert, no fouls, make a lot of rhythm, rhythm, rhythm, play, play, play.
"If the ball is out the ball boys have to be ready. If they are not ready, we have to be the ballboys. Play in this rhythm and make them suffer."
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