City, sixth in the league table, has won its last three games on the bounce in all competitions, having won just one of 13 beforehand.

Guardiola's side followed up back-to-back Premier League wins with an 8-0 thrashing of Salford City in the FA Cup, but the Spaniard insisted his side still has something to prove despite those results.

"Of course, we won three games. Before, it was impossible to win one and now, we won three. That helps us," Guardiola said.

"But the reality is, we won against a team from League Two. For many reasons, we should win. We did it quite well but still we have to wait to see if we are who we are.

"The mood is better. We have an enormously difficult game. Thomas [Frank] and [Brentford] always create a lot of problems.  They are a fantastic, fantastic team."

Brentford, meanwhile, has won just one of its last seven games in all competitions, though the 5-0 win over Southampton last time out in the Premier League halted a four-match winless run in the top-flight.

Prior to that, their unbeaten league home streak was ended by a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal before they were stunned by Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup.

Thomas Frank has been handed an injury boost though, with long-term absentee Rico Henry returning against Plymouth, and the Dane confirmed he would be in the squad to face City.

"I'm very, very pleased that Rico is back. He's been one of our best players in the four years in the Premier League," Frank said.

"It will take a little bit of time before we see him fully firing. That's not me saying he can't start or play a Premier League game, but consistent high performances will take a little bit of time to build.

"But he will be involved in the squad, and it's up to me to find out how much I can use him. It's unlikely he will start; it's still a building process."