Manchester City host low-key Watford in the Premier League over the weekend. City are atop of the table, and with only 6 games to go, they need victories in all of them to ensure their status as the champions. Watford meanwhile sits 18th, seven points adrift of safety. They too need wins in their remaining games if they are to avoid the relegation. However, a ruthless City is a hot favorite here, with the title being on the line.
Manchester City’s treble hopes were crushed when Liverpool knocked them out of the FA Cup. The Reds are on City’s trail in the league as well, sitting just a point below them. A slip-up and Pep’s men would hand in the advantage to Liverpool in the title race. But it looks highly unlikely that any so rt of slip-up comes against Watford here. Though City are marred by injuries, they should easily come out on top against the Hornets.
Manchester City Premier League form: W D W D W
Watford can still avoid the drop mathematically if they churn out 6 victories. However, with just one win in the last five games, they don’t have much to be enthusiastic about going against a rampant City team. Nonetheless, Roy Hodgson has his team playing some good football in recent games and would hope the same continues.
Watford Premier League form: L L L W L
Manchester City vs Watford; Team News
The Cityzens’ team news
It seems Manchester City can’t catch a break as injuries are piling up one after another. Their last game against Brighton saw bot Nathan Ake and John Stones pick up knocks. The duo added now join Kyle Walker on the sidelines, who has sustained an ankle injury.
However, in a massive boost, Ruben Dias has returned to City. The center-back made an appearance off the bench in the last game, and would certainly start here. Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling were rested as well but should make the starting eleven against Watford. Moreover, Pep Guardiola would have in mind City’s very next game against Real Madrid after Watford as well.
Manchester City’s possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko; Gundogan, Fernandinho, De Bruyne; Sterling, Jesus, Grealish
The Hornets’ team news
Unfortunately, Roy Hodgson has a long list of injuries. As many as five Watford players could miss the trip to Manchester City. Center-back duo Nicolas N’Koulou and Troost-Ekong are out with hamstring injuries. Francisco Sierralta also misses the bus after sustaining a calf injury.
Juan Hernández, who has impressed massively in recent games will be unavailable as well. Emmanuel Dennis scored a good goal last time out and could start here. Hodgson would hope Ismaila Sarr shines bright against City.
Watford’s possible starting lineup:
Foster; Femenia; Kabasele, Samir, Kamara; Sissoko, Louza, Kucka; Sarr, Joao Pedro, Dennis
Our Prediction
Manchester City 4-0 Watford
Expect a hammering of Watford here. City knows the league is on the line and they will play accordingly. A routine win is on cards for Pep’s men who will be preparing for their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. Another three points in the bag, and a step closer to the title. Watford should be on their toes or else the scoreline would get even worse as well.
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