Manchester City vs Watford Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | EFL Cup, September 24, 2024

Manchester City vs Watford Preview

• Tournament: EFL Cup.
• Date: Tuesday, September 24
• Kick-off Time: 6:45 PM GMT.
• Venue: Etihad Stadium.

The second most successful side of the EFL Cup aka Carabao Cup, Manchester City are set to step foot in the 2024-25 edition of the competition when they play Watford next at home. The round three game will be one-off, promoting the winners to a round-of-16 slot.

Manchester City just played a highly anticipated high-voltage game against direct EPL challengers Arsenal. The final result of the game was 2-2, and now they will face EFL Championship side Watford, with an aim to get an easy and dominating win, like arch-rivals Manchester United.

Watford FC are having a decent form as they enter the fixture. They won against Plymouth Argyle FC in round two to get a spot here. In the league, they have three wins, two losses, and one draw so far.

Manchester City Team News

The Manchester City squad is a major fit and free from any suspensions. However, it has to deal with two injury concerns – Winger Oscar Bobb is out for a long time with a leg injury, while star player Rodri is out for almost a season, as per reports, after an injury picked against Arsenal.

Watford Team News

Except for new signing Kevin Keben, there are no injury concerns in the Watford team. So, the club is having a fit squad at present. No player from the team is suspended too.

Manchester City vs Watford Predicted Lineups

Manchester City Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Ortega

Defenders: Lewis, Stones, Simpson-Pusey, Wilson-Esbrand

Midfielders: Nunes, Wright; O’Reilly, McAtee, Grealish

Forwards: Foden

Watford Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Bond

Defenders: Morris, Pollock, Porteous

Midfielders: Andrews, Dele-Bashiru, Sissoko, Sema; Chakvetadze

Forward: Bayo, Ince

ALSO READ: Liverpool vs West Ham Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | EFL Cup, September 25, 2024

Manchester City vs Watford Head-to-Head Record

Manchester City and Watford have met in a total of 33 games. Manchester City have won 22 of those games, while Watford won only six games, five games ended in a draw.

Key players to watch in Manchester City vs Watford

Phil Foden (Manchester City)

The English midfielder is undoubtedly one of the finest in the world. But playing in one of the most competitive squads of the Premier League, he has not been given many minutes to display his talent. 

The winger cum midfielder has played against Chelsea and Arsenal only. He is expected to get a start for the first time this season. Goals and assists are expected from him.

Tom Ince (Watford)

The veteran winger struck a hattrick and provided an assist in the first round of the Carabao Cup this season, against Milton Keynes Dons. He played the full game, with a good impact in the second round too. Now, it’s time for him to shine against Manchester City. Of course, it is the toughest challenge, but a goal on the counter will up his level.

Manchester City vs Watford Prediction

There should be nothing but a big win in the minds of hosts Manchester City. They have a squad valued multiple times higher than Watford. They gave good form, and home support in their favour too. So, it is predicted that Manchester City will win by a minimum of five goals against Watford FC.

Prediction: Manchester City 8-1 Watford

Where to watch Manchester City vs Watford Live?

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