Manchester City vs Watford Preview: Where to Watch, Live Stream, Kick Off Time, Team News & More

​Manchester City will be looking to bounce back after a huge upset at the hands of Norwich City last week, as they host a resurgent Watford side coming off the back of a brilliant comeback against Arsenal.

City trail leaders Liverpool by five points, which could already be a pivotal lead baring in mind the quality of both teams.

Roberto Pereyra

Under new (old) management, the Hornets staged a thrilling come back against Arsenal to claim a 2-2 draw, and will be high on confidence going to the Etihad.

Despite that, they will need a miracle to come away with even one point, but knowing City are looking short defensively, they will most certainly give it a go.

Here is 90min's preview of the game.


Where to Watch

When Is Kick Off? Saturday 21 September
What Time Is Kick Off? 15:00 (BST)
Where Is it Played? Etihad Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? N/A
Referee? Mike Dean

Team News

Manchester City are in the midst of a major defensive crisis. After Aymeric Laporte was ruled out until at least January, ​John Stones has now suffered a muscle injury, meaning he will be sidelined for five weeks.

This means Nicolas Otamendi is the only fit senior centre back at the club, leaving Pep Guardiola with a major headache. ​Fernandinho is likely to be drafted in next to the Argentine.

On a positive note, Benjamin Mendy is set to return for City in the coming weeks.

John Stones

There is no major injury news in regards to any Watford player, but ​Troy Deeney continues to be sidelined after suffering a knee surgery.

Roberto Pereyra is likely to come back into the team after making a goal scoring cameo from the bench against Arsenal after being eased back from injury.


Potential Lineups

Manchester City Ederson; Walker, Fernandinho, Otamendi, Zinchenko; Rodri, de Bruyne, D. Silva; B.Silva, Aguero, Sterling.
West Ham Foster; Femenia, Cathcart, Dawson, Holebas; Doucoure, Capoue; Hughes, Pereyra, Deulofeu; Gray.

Head to Head Record

​Manchester City have taken ​on the Hornets just the 29 times, with City predictably leading the head to head with 18 wins to Watford's six.

Incredibly, City have won their last 11 games in all competitions against their opposition, and really, Watford haven't come close to beating them. Some of the results include: 6-0, 6-0, 5-0. 3-0, 4-2, 3-1 and 3-1. It's been one of  the more one sided fixtures in recent memory.

Gerard Deulofeu

Watford have failed to even beat City in their last 16 attempts, going all the way back to 1989.

Their last meeting was in last season's FA Cup final, which was a demolition job: 6-0 to City.


Recent Form

City were going nicely - 10 points from 12 - before they were shockingly beaten at Carrow Road. A big bump in the road for a team that were looking unbeatable.

​Watford have been struggling. It's as simple as that. As a result, Javi Gracia was sacked and replaced by Quique Sanchez Flores.

Bernardo Silva,Sergio Aguero

Despite not winning a game this season, an improved performance against the Gunners will give Hornets fans some optimism for the forthcoming season.

Manchester City West Ham
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-3 Man City (18/9) Watford 2-2 Arsenal (15/9)
Norwich 3-2 Man City (14/9)
Newcastle 1-1 Watford (31/8)
Man City 4-0 Brighton (31/8)
Watford 3-1 Coventry (27/8)
Bournemouth 1-3 Man City (25/8)
Watford 1-3 West Ham (24/8)
Man City 2-2 Spurs (17/8)
Everton 1-0 Watford (17/8)

Prediction


Despite City being stricken in the defensive compartment, you'd have to be a very brave man to say that Watford will be leaving Manchester with anything at all.

Even with an improved performance, the Hornets should be on the receiving end of a heavy defeat - especially with Guardiola's men resembling a wounded animal.

Sergio Aguero

Don't rule out a Watford goal though, especially if their forward players counter attack in the fashion they did against Arsenal.

Prediction: Manchester City 4-1 Watford


Source : 90min