With a place in the top four almost sealed, Manchester City will have to bottle up big time on the last day of the season, if they are to make it any this term any more eventful. They visit Vicarage Road to face a struggling Watford side next, who have managed to survive the season despite a terrible second half.
Team News
Watford- With this being his last game with the Hornets, Walter Mazzarri would like to end it brightly. But, he faces grave injury concerns ahead of the game. The Italian could play City without as many six centre-halves, which is a huge void at the back for the team. Adrian Mariappa, who is out with a knee injury and Miguel Britos, who is struggling with his calf, will both be going for a late fitness test.
To Mazzarri’s misfortune, Sebastian Prodl is suspended for the game after a late booking against Chelsea. The other options at the back of Christian Kabasele, Craig Cathcart and Younes Kaboul are all sidelined with injuries.
Manchester City- Pep Guardiola did finally manage to find the solidity from his defenders which he craved all season, but it was too little too late. The return of skipper Vincent Kompany seemed to have made all the difference. The Belgian was subbed off early in City’s last game against West Bromwich Albion but is expected to return for the final game of the season.
John Stones has also recovered from his groin injury it seems, although his game hasn’t improved a bit. He might replace Nicolas Otamendi in the central defence. Apart from them, City’s long-term injuries remain the same- Ilkay Gundogan, Claudio Bravo and Fabian Delph.
Predicted Line-ups
Watford- Gomes; Mariappa, Britos, Holebas; Amrabat, Cleverley, Behrami, Doucoure, Janmaat; Niang, Deeney
Manchester City- Caballero; Fernandinho, Stones, Otamendi, Clichy; Toure; Sterling, Silva, De Bruyne, Sane; Aguero
Key Players
Watford- Club legend Troy Deeney will lead the attack and given the seasoned striker that he is, City will have the biggest threat from him. A poacher up front, City’s central defence cannot afford to lose him throughout the game. Another threat from the Hornets camp would be M’baye Niang. The Milan loanee brings in the much-needed vibrancy in the attacking third.
Manchester City- Sergio Aguero is always a danger for the opponent. City’s highest Premier League goal scorer in the history didn’t quite get the flow he hoped for and would like to finish it off in style. Apart from him, Gabriel Jesus has a real chance of getting on the score sheet yet again.
Betting Odds
Watford @ 12.00
Draw @ 6.00
Manchester City @ 1.28
