The Bees did the double over City in our Treble-winning 2022/23 season, winning 2-1 just before the winter break and 1-0 in our final top-flight game, with the Premier League title already secured.
The boss is very aware of their threats, which include players who are well drilled in the tactical approach of long-serving manager Frank, who has been in charge for just over five years.
“We know in the past how difficult they have been,” said the manager in his pre-match press conference.
“Even when we won, always it was tight and we lost twice last season.
“We know the difficulty for the way they play, the standards they have, they are clear and they believe it, they apply it really well.
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“It’s another game to face and another challenge for us.
“It’s unbelievable. The consistency. The club relied on him [Thomas Frank] for many years.
“Everyone comes and knows exactly what they have to do. That helps a lot.
“They have done really well, they have incredible strikers up front.
“Big, big compliment to them. I have a lot of admiration for him.”
Their key weapon in the forward areas is Ivan Toney, who has scored two goals in two games this season – in a 3-2 home win over Nottingham Forest and a 3-2 away defeat at Tottenham Hotspur – following his return to action after a Football Association ban.
The 27-year-old scored both goals in the 2-1 reversal at the Etihad ahead of the Qatar World Cup and Guardiola is an admirer of the striker’s quality heading into Monday’s 20:00 (UK) kick-off at the Brentford Community Stadium.
“He’s an exceptional player,” the manager added.
“Not just long balls, set pieces, penalties he is a guarantee, with free-kicks. For many things.
“They can link with him. He’s an extraordinary player.
“Happy he is back. Hopefully that period is forgotten for him and his life and his family.
“Exceptional players are always more than welcome in the Premier League.”
