Manchester City will look to carry on their unbeaten start to the season when they take on high-flying Watford at Vicarage Road.
The visitors go into this game off the back of an impressive week, which started with a fantastic performance against title rivals Liverpool in a 5-0 win before their recent 4-0 victory away to Feyenoord in their first Champions League game of the season. City’s opponents Watford have also had an unbeaten start to the season under new boss Marco Silva. The Hornets managed to get an impressive 2-0 victory away to Southampton and will be looking to carry on their good form.
The last time both sides faced off was at the end of last season, when City confirmed their Champions League place after smashing their opponents Watford 5-0 at the same venue. Sergio Aguero scored a brace, with Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus the other scorers. The Hornets will want revenge for that humiliation, and will be more organised defensively to try to deal with City’s ruthless attack. Marco Silva will also be looking for his own back on Pep Guardiola after his Hull side lost 3-1 to the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium.
A win for City will put them to the top of the table, until Manchester United play on Sunday. Three points at this stage of the season will be crucial for Guardiola’s men to carry on their momentum.
Here’s how we think Pep Guardiola will set out his team for the game.
GK - Ederson
Ederson will continue his stint in goal after playing well in midweek against Feyenoord.
RB - Kyle Walker
Walker impressed yet again in midweek and will definitely start on Saturday.
CB - John Stones
Stones showed leadership and desire against Feyenoord and Liverpool and should start, with Vincent Kompany not quite ready to come back.
CB - Nicolas Otamendi
Otamendi was much better in midweek, but will up against a physical Watford side. He needs to stop being reckless because otherwise he will get his team into serious trouble.
LB - Benjamin Mendy
Mendy keeps getting better and better as the games go by, and his performances at left-back show just how much of a difference he can be.
CM - Fernandinho
Ferna hasn’t been fantastic so far, but he always puts in solid performances as the anchor in front of the defence.
CAM - Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne has been unbelievable in the last couple of games and will want to carry on this form against the Hornets.
CAM - David Silva
Silva impressed in the Champions League and will want to build some momentum alongside De Bruyne.
CAM - Bernardo Silva
Bernardo was immense for City in the last game and will want to get a run of games together so he can build some form.
ST - Gabriel Jesus
The Brazilian has been on fire for City, with 11 goals in 15 games in all competitions. His chipped goal against the Hornets last season rounded off the home side’s humiliation. He will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday.
ST - Sergio Agüero
Agüero has been playing brilliantly in his last couple of games and is slowly starting to regain his ability to finish chances at a constant rate.