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Premier League
Aug 29, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
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Preview: Manchester City vs. Watford

:Headline: Preview: Manchester City vs. Watford: ID:242139: from db_amp
Sports Mole looks ahead to the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Watford at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City will be looking to maintain their 100% start to the new Premier League season on Saturday when they welcome Watford to the Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, the unbeaten Hornets travel to Eastlands still looking for their first win of the campaign.


Man City

Manchester City can make it four consecutive wins in the Premier League on Saturday when they welcome Watford to the Etihad Stadium.

Manuel Pellegrini's side currently sit two points clear at the top of the table thanks to victories over West Bromwich Albion, Chelsea and Everton.

Their 2-0 triumph at Goodison Park last weekend was their ninth straight victory in the league stretching back to last season - equalling a club record that has stood for over a century.

Despite seeing his team continue their strong start to the campaign, Pellegrini was quick to keep his players in check after the match by challenging them to remain consistent.

City could have more good news before they take to the pitch on Saturday, with reports suggesting that they are close to signing Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne for nearly £59m. The former champions have been linked with the Belgian international for most of the summer, but it would now appear that a deal is almost done.

The Blues are the top scorers in the Premier League with eight goals in three games so far, while they are among three clubs who have kept clean sheets in all of their opening fixtures.

Recent form: WWW
Recent form (all competitions): LWLWWW


Watford

Watford are still looking for their first win of the season following a stuttering start to the campaign.

However, the Hornets can boast an unbeaten record in the Premier League thanks to three draws from their opening three matches.

They will also be able to focus more of their attention on cementing a place in the top flight after losing to Preston North End in the second round of the League Cup on Tuesday night.

Despite being knocked out of the competition so early, manager Quique Flores insisted after the final whistle that the game was a good chance for him to take a look at some untested players in his squad.

Watford have been solid at the back so far this season, conceding just twice in their three matches. At the other end of the pitch, Flores will be looking for an improvement on the two goals that they have scored during the opening few weeks of the campaign.

On the transfer front, the club is reportedly considering an £8m move for Rennes midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure. The former France Under-21 international would be their 13th signing of the summer if he arrives at Vicarage Road in the next week.

Recent form: DDD
Recent form (all competitions): LLDDDL


Team News

Fernando and Pablo Zabaleta both remain sidelined for the hosts with groin and knee problems respectively.

Nicolas Otamendi could be given his debut for City this weekend following his big-money move from Valencia, though Manuel Pellegrini is likely to want to keep his defence settled.

Miguel Britos is suspended for Watford after he was sent off during their League Cup defeat to Preston.

The visitors are understood to have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their trip to the Etihad Stadium.

Man City possible starting lineup:
Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Delph, Fernandinho, Navas, Nasri, Silva; Aguero

Watford possible starting lineup:
Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Prodl, Holebas; Capoue, Behrami; Jurado, Ighalo, Anya; Deeney


Head To Head

Manchester City have the edge when it comes to past meetings between these teams, winning eight of their 19 encounters. Watford have triumphed on six occasions, while there have also been five draws. The last time that they faced off was during the 2013-14 season when City came from two goals down to earn a 4-2 win in the FA Cup fourth round. Watford's last victory away to the Blues came 28 years ago.


Video Preview

Hit play below to see what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter:


We say: Man City 3-0 Watford

Manchester City will have their sights firmly set on another victory this weekend, and it is hard to see beyond anything other than a win for the hosts. The Blues have been imperious so far this season, with impressive performances at both ends of the pitch. Watford could well make things difficult for Manuel Pellegrini's men, but the Hornets are likely to have their work cut out.



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