Premier League: Watford vs Manchester City preview

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January 1st, 2016
Back Premier League: Watford vs Manchester City preview

Manchester City will be looking to keep their pace in the title race when they visit surprise package Watford on Saturday. The Citizens are currently third in the league table, three points behind leaders Arsenal and second-placed Leicester City. Newly-promoted Watford are surprisingly ninth after the first half of the season, just two points away from fifth spot. The two teams have met 13 times before in the league and both sides have recorded five victories. Manchester City have not lost to the Hornets in the last eight direct clashes and won the last three. The reverse fixture this season was won by Manchester United 2-0.

Watford have grabbed 29 points in the first half of the season and ended 2015 with a 2-2 draw at Chelsea on Boxing Day and a 2-1 defeat against Tottenham in the last match of the year. That was the first defeat for the Hornets since November 21, when they were beaten at home by Manchester United. Full-back Nathan Ake will miss out through suspension after being sent off against Tottenham, he will be replaced by Jose Holebas. Valon Behrami should be given a starting berth this time.

Manchester City have recovered from the defeat against Arsenal before Christmas with a 4-1 over Sunderland on Boxing Day and a goalless draw at Leicester City to wrap up 2015. They have the best home record in the league so far but their away form has been disappointing, with three wins, three draws and as many losses. Captain Vincent Kompany picked up yet another injury and will be out for up to one month. Gael Clichy will also miss out while Samir Nasri remains on the injured list at least until February.

Probable line-ups:

Watford: Gomes - Anya, Cathcart, Britos, Holebas - Jurado, Capoue, Behrami, Abdi - Deeney, Ighalo

Man City: Hart - Sagna, Otamendi, Mangala, Kolarov - Toure, Fernandinho - De Bruyne, Silva, Sterling - Aguero

My prediction: Man City to win 2-1.

Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:

Watford win - 5.00 Draw - 4.00 Man City win - 1.75

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