Manchester City host Watford tomorrow and it is a fixture they would be desperate to win. December was touted as a big and crucial month for City with matches against Chelsea, Leicester, Arsenal and Liverpool as the most important ones. They have already lost to Chelsea and Leicester and both the losses exposed a whole lot of skeletons in City’s cupboards. Their early season form was glossing over their inefficiencies and now more than ever, December is crucial.
Watford, meanwhile, are on the back of a morale-boosting 3-2 win over Everton and are currently sitting pretty in the 7th spot. They will be facing a jittery Sky Blues outfit and will believe an upset is on the cards.
Let us take a look at the 3 key battles which have the potential to have a bearing on the outcome.
TROY DEENEY VS JOHN STONES
John Stones has had a nightmarish last couple of weeks and although many might feel that a home game against Watford might give him a breather and help him to settle down, Watford’s current form will make sure none of that happens. It will be another challenging outing for the England international. His risky approach has been backed repeatedly by Pep Guardiola but it has to be seen whether he, along with the team is ready to embrace it so soon amidst the cut-throat competition of the Premier League.
Deeney hasn’t been at his best till now and the duo of Ighalo and Deeney has failed to click. But Deeney is experienced and will be in and around Stones, looking to add to his misery.
RAHEEM STERLING VS JOSE HOLEBAS
The attack-minded left-back has caught the eye with his sprightly displays this season and he has the capability to hurt City offensively. But his attacking instincts might give Raheem Sterling an opportunity to hurt the Hornets down that flank.
A knee injury has kept Sterling out of the picture for a couple of games but he was brilliant before that. And Pep will be hoping that he can carry on his early season form. And boy, do City need it.
ETIENNE CAPOUE VS DAVID SILVA
The Frenchman has been a revelation for the Hornets. He has more than made up for Ighalo’s goal drought and is their highest scorer with 5 goals. He has since been moved to a withdrawn role but is still capable of finding the back of the net. But tomorrow, he will likely have to put in more of a defensive shift and has to mark Silva. The Spaniard’s movement and guile will test Capoue and he has to be up for it.
