Second-placed Manchester City needs to bounce back with a win after a shocking loss versus newly-promoted Norwich in their previous Premier League (PL) match. They could wish for no better opponent than Watford though – they’ve won 11 competitive H2Hs on the bounce, scoring 38 goals (3.45 on average), whilst nine of those wins arrived by at least a two-goal margin.
Furthermore, the ‘Sky Blues’ have recorded ten wins in their last 11 PL home matches, scoring two or more goals in eight of those. Indeed, following the Community Shield, City has scored at least twice in every competitive match this season, with the majority of those goals coming before half-time (52.63%).
Watford sit bottom of the table with four goals scored and just two points. Improvement could be seen in their two goal-comeback vs Arsenal in the last round, yey they must improve their starts. So far they’ve conceded the opener in four of five PL matches, and at least one goal in every first half.
However they’ve conceded just two goals on the road, and Watford has frequently offered up a surprise as traveling underdogs. Last season they took at least one point in 52.94% of the PL away matches that they started as an outsider – and 50% so far this season.
Players to watch: Raheem Sterling (MCY) has scored six second-half goals across the last five H2Hs (seven total)! He’d better watch his legs though, as Watford defender José Holebas has three yellow cards in four PL matches so far.
Stat attack: City is the only team in the league who have witnessed at least four goals in all their PL matches this term.
There’s been a whopping ten goals in the 31st-60th-minute interval across the last five PL H2Hs.
Watford’s ten conceded goals is the division’s joint-third worst ahead of the round.
Will not play
Laporte A.
(Knee Injury)
Deeney T.
(Surgery)
Sane L.
(Knee Injury)
Success I.
(Groin Injury)
Stones J.
(Thigh Injury)
Questionable
Cathcart C.
(Thigh Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Dean M. (Eng),
Venue: Etihad Stadium (Manchester)