Brentford look to become the first team ever to win three consecutive top-flight meetings against Pep Guardiola as they host Manchester City in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium tonight.

After beating Manchester City both home and away in the Premier League last season, the Bees are searching for their third victory over the champions as they face off for the first of two meetings this month.

While Manchester City have previously lost three times in a row to one opponent, no side has achieved this in consecutive Premier League matches since Guardiola became manager in 2016.

Having finished ninth last season, Brentford will be disappointed with their current season so far as they currently sit four points clear of the relegation zone in 15th.

The Bees suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss against Tottenham Hotspur last time out after an early opener from Neal Maupay was cancelled out by three quick-fire Spurs goals shortly after half-time.

However, Brentford’s hopes have been boosted by the return of talisman Ivan Toney after he completed an eight-month suspension for 232 breaches of betting rules.

The English striker – who scored a brace in last season’s home meeting with City – has enjoyed a triumphant return as the 27-year-old scored against both Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

While Toney’s goal against Spurs wasn’t enough to inspire a comeback, it marked his 14th goal in 22 Premier League matches.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank could also give Sergio Reguilón his first start after the Spanish left-back joined on loan from Tottenham in January.

However, Frank will be without Yoane Wissa, Frank Onyeka and Saman Ghoddos who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Bryan Mbeumo and Rico Henry remain out injured.

City – who currently sit third in the Premier League table - will be hoping to capitalise on their first of two games in hand over Liverpool and Arsenal, who faced off in a top-of-the-table clash last night.

Arsenal’s 3-1 victory gives City the opportunity to move just two points from the top of the league with a victory tonight.  

Like Brentford, City also have perhaps their most crucial player returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Kevin De Bruyne made his first start in six months during Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Burnley after recovering from a hamstring injury in the Premier League season opener.

And Golden Boot leader Erling Haaland may also make his first start in two months after making a 25-minute cameo off the bench on Wednesday following a foot injury.

The 23-year-old Norwegian will be eager to find the back of the net against Brentford, who remain the only Premier League side he has failed to score against.