Watford are coming off a morale-boosting 3-2 win over Everton and while they would want to celebrate the win, the Hornets will have to contend with a daunting trip to the Etihad first. While it is true that Manchester City are longer a fearsome prospect to play at home anymore, with teams sitting tight and thwarting City’s profligate attackers and scoring the all-important goal in a couple of shots that they could muster against a non-existent City rearguard. It might not be so easy but the Hornets are facing Pep Guardiola’s men at a moment when they are in complete chaos.
Watford won’t get it easy but teams like Southampton, Everton and Middlesbrough have demonstrated already how to play City at the Etihad. There will be lots of patience required and the willingness to run and work at the same level throughout the 90 minutes.
Walter Mazzarri has been amazing with the boys and they have latched on to his tactics pretty fast. The aim is to better their last season finish of 12th place. This ambitious target was scoffed at by many but there is a realistic chance that it might happen indeed.
PREDICTED WATFORD LINE-UP VS MANCHESTER CITY (4-5-1)
DEFENCE
Heurelho Gomes will be in goal and has to come prepared for a busy day in office. He has to be alert to the danger and his reactions will have to be good against a City side who are expected to swarm Watford’s half for the majority of the match. Zuniga might continue on the right-hand side of the defence while Daryl Janmaat is likely to be on bench duty.
Sebastian Prodl and Miguel Britos can form the centre-back pairing. The duo will be kept busy and they have to bring their A-game. The uber-adventurous Holebas will line-up at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Watford will want to have a packed midfield who can put pressure on the City players who have shown fragility when under pressure. A three-man midfield might be the order of the day. Etienne Capoue and Behrami will be a part of the trio while the other player might be Guedioura.
ATTACK
Roberto Pereyra will be back from suspension and will most likely be Watford’s best and most potent attacking threat. Pep Guardiola doesn’t teach the players to tackle hence the former Juventus man’s mazy run and direct approach can cause trouble.
Amrabat will be on the other side while Troy Deeney is likely to lead the line. Okaka might miss out even after scoring a brace on Saturday.
