Watford FC vs Manchester City FC
Date: 16/09/17
K.O: 15:00pm
Two out of the Premier League’s three remaining unbeaten sides meet on Saturday, with pre-season title favourites Manchester City travelling to the impressive Watford.
Home side Watford have impressed in two draws and two wins, while City sit second in the table on ten points from their opening three fixtures.
The Hornets could be unchanged after last Saturday’s brilliant 2-0 victory at Southampton, but are relying on defenders Kiko Femenia and Younes Kaboul recovering from injuries which forced them off in the second half.
They will likely be unchanged in midfield, with the impressive Nathaniel Chalobah and Abdoulaye Doucoure proving a formidable force in midfield, dominating in their games so far.
In attack, young Brazilian Richarlison should continue, while Andre Gray faces competition from the resurgent Troy Deeney, who is pushing for a recall.
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany could return from a calf injury sustained on international duty, but if not, Pep Guardiola still has the necessary options to change City’s defensive line up.
After hammering ten man Liverpool on Saturday, City were in scintillating form again on Wednesday as they brushed Dutch Champions Feyenoord aside 4-0. Having returned to a back four for the trip to Rotterdam, Guardiola must decide whether or not to revert to the back three he has used thus far in the Premier League.
If Kompany is not fit, Danilo could once again fill in on the right side of the three, while Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy will continue as wingbacks.
Guardiola faces his biggest selection headache in midfield, where Fernandinho, Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva are all enjoying excellent spells. Leroy Sane is pushing for a recall following his two-goal display against Liverpool, while Bernardo Silva will be hoping to retain his place after impressing against Feyenoord. Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero will start in attack.
Watford will be hoping to avoid a repeat of City’s last trip to Vicarage Road, a 5-0 drubbing that contributed to the demise of former Hornets manager Walter Mazzarri.
City are yet to lose to Watford in six previous Premier League meetings, the joint most they have played any team without losing (with Sheffield United). Sergio Aguero will look to extend his record against the Hornets, against whom he has six goals and two assists in his last four appearances.
Prediction: Watford 0 Manchester City 2
Written by Sam Hanys.
