The returning Haaland looking to set the record straight at Bees

CITY head to Brentford tomorrow night looking to win their ninth straight game.

- SIMON BAJKOWSKI

Pep Guardiola was quick to point out this week that the Premier League champions picked up zero points from their two meetings with the West London club last season, so the Blues will be working hard to make sure they improve this time.

It should be said, though, that their last trip down to the GTech Community Stadium was the final day of the league campaign after the title had already been wrapped up.

Liverpool's victory over Chelsea in midweek has left Guardiola in no doubt that this year's title race could be at least as competitive if not more than the last one, so City cannot afford to drop too many points.

Ahead of their first game of a busy February that includes four long trips, here are some of the talking points.

HAALAND PERFECT RECORD

Erling Haaland pleased his manager with a short cameo off the bench against Burnley - his first appearance in nearly two months after a foot injury. The striker miskicked his first effort towards goal but was hungry to get back on the scoresheet.