The juggernaut of Manchester City keeps rolling as Pep Guardiola’s men enter the weekend with a massive fourteen point lead at the top of the table. After a heavy spending summer, that saw the Arab owners lavishly dish around their cash, City were boasting of a squad full of world-class talent. Pep not only had eleven quality players but also a bench that would be in the starting line-up for most teams around Europe. With such heavy artillery at his disposal, it is no surprise to find City where they are now.
The Citizens are undefeated in the league and have just lost one inconsequential Champions League match after locking down on their qualification to the next stage of Europe. Their incredible form has set a record in England for the highest consecutive league wins and City are looking increasingly dominant with each passing day.
They are coming up against a well performing Watford side although given City’s current dominance and confidence they will have no problem brushing aside the Cherries. Marco Silva’s men will be hoping to avoid a thrashing and at best come away with a respectable scoreline. City will enter the match hoping to restart their winning run and clear out the little remaining doubt from the head of the chasing pack about the destination of the Premier League title come May.
With the busy winter fixture proving to be a tricky business, Guardiola will hope to not lose any more players this week. Having played on New Year ’s Eve, Guardiola will not have the luxury of picking his fresh players. Moreover, City has two major players missing through injuries and suspensions.
Here is how the Spanish tactician will look to line-up his unstoppable team this weekend.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Ederson who has been in fine form this season can be expected in goal one more time for the Citizens. The heart of the defence will be managed by Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala with John Stones returning to the bench.
The right wing back can be expected to be Kyle Walker with Fabian Delph expected to return on the left.
Midfield
A midfield trio of Fernandinho at the base with Bernardo Silva playing as a makeshift attacking centre midfielder alongside Ilkay Gündoğan playing ahead can be expected with Guardiola refusing to shed any light on David Silva’s return date and Kevin De Bruyne suffering a nasty injury last time out.
Attack
Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane can be expected to flank Sergio Aguero for City with Gabriel Jesus unsure after getting injured last time out.
