Prediction: Manchester City vs Watford

Verdict: Manchester City to score over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport

Manchester City will try to extend their superiority at the top of the English Premier League standings this Tuesday. They will play host to a struggling Watford side at Etihad Stadium. The game will start at 20:00 hrs BST.

Manchester City

Manchester City have undoubtedly been the best team in the English Premier League, and the results back that up. The Citizens have a healthy lead at the top of the standings and it would take a miracle for them not to win the title considering how bad other teams have struggled. Even though City’s impressive winning run ended a few days ago when they settled for a 0-0 draw against the lowly Crystal Palace, it’s hard to overlook what City have done this season. They have a 12-point lead at the top of the table with one game in hand, possess the best attack (61 goals scored) and the top defence (12 concedeed), just to name a few reasons why they have been as good as they have been. They are yet to lose a game at home as well, registering a staggering W9 D1 L0 mark in 10 games at Etihad Stadium. Watford is not an easy opponent by any means, but it is hard not to think of City as massive favourites in this one.

Team News

Unfortunately for Pep Guardiola, Manchester City will have lots of absentees ahead of this game. They lost Kevin De Bruyne (knee) and Gabriel Jesus (knee) last time out, but there are others sidelined as well.

Phil Foden (ankle), Vincent Kompany (calf) and Benjamin Mendy (knee) are out. Meanwhile, Fabian Delph (knock) is doubtful, and will require a late-fitness test to determine his availability.

Watford

Watford enjoyed a great start to the season, but they have struggling a bit in recent weeks. The Hornets have not had very good results away from home of late, and they have actually dropped their last three and four of their last five on the road. They sit right in the middle of the standings, as they are 10th with 25 points thanks to a W7 D4 L10, but they have lost four of their past five games overall. Marco Silva’s seat is getting a bit warmer, and things are not going to get any easier for them considering City have been nearly unstoppable this season. Watford are coming off a disappointing 1-2 loss against Swansea, and they will have to be much better to salvage at least one point against Guardiola’s men. One area where they must improve is their defensive play, as Watford have already allowed 37 goals in just 21 games. That’s not going to cut it against City’s potent attacking line.

Team News

City are weakened due to injuries, but so are Watford since they will have even more absentees. Up to eight Hornets have been ruled out of this game.

The list of absentees includes Craig Cathcart (knee), Nathaniel Chalobah (knee), Troy Deeney (suspension), Thomas Hoban (knee), Will Hughes (thigh), Younes Kaboul (thigh), Kiko (thigh), and Isaac Success (thigh). As if that was not enough, Miguel Britos (leg) is doubtful, and will require a late-fitness test to determine his availability.

Key Factors to Consider

• Manchester City have been nearly unstoppable at home this season, registering nine wins and one draw in 10 games.
• Watford have struggled a bit on the road, though. The Hornets have four wins, one draw and five losses away from home, while losing their last three in that condition.
• Watford have struggled considerably on the defensive end this season. They have already allowed 37 goals in just 21 games.
• On the other hand, City have excelled on both ends of the pitch. They have scored 61 goals, and have conceded just 12 in 21 games.
• City’s season has been almost historical. They have yet to lose a single EPL match, and have accounted for 19 wins and just two draws.

Conclusion

Manchester City ended a huge winning streak last time out against Crystal Palace, but they remain favourites ahead of this game. Especially if they will be playing at home.

Expect The Citizens to come away with the three points while scoring at least 2,5 goals. They are likely to dominate the game with ease.

Verdict: Manchester City to score over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport