The ever-inconsistent Manchester City will look to strengthen their Premier League title credentials with a win away at high-flying Watford in Saturday's late kickoff. Manuel Pellegrini's side head into the match on the back of a goalless draw at Leicester City, and are provisionally three points adrift of league leaders Arsenal. They're probably the strongest team in the division at present, though they've so far been dogged by a peculiar inconsistency that has stopped them from running away at the top of the table.
Manchester City vs. Watford 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Manchester City will look to get back to winning ways away at overachieving Watford on Saturday.
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They certainly shouldn’t be expecting an easy ride against Watford, with Quique Sánchez Flores’ side having been one of the most impressive in the Premier League this season. The Hornets only won promotion last season, though intelligent work in the transfer market and the continued performances of attacking stars Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney has seen them climb up into the top half of the table. Solid and direct, they’re going to be a very tough test for a rather unconvincing defence.
Key factor: Will Manchester City's defence be undone?
Indeed, Manchester City's Achilles' heel is undoubtedly their back line. They've conceded as many goals as their opponents in this match so far, and they've not been helped by the injury struggles of captain Vincent Kompany. The Belgian will once again be unavailable for selection in this match, leaving Pellegrini hoping for a rather more disciplined performance than we've become accustomed to from the Nicolás Otamendi-Eliaquim Mangala axis.
Key player: Odion Ighalo (Watford)
There’s no doubt that much of City’s pre-match defensive preparation will have been focused on keeping Odion Ighalo as quiet as possible. However, as most have found out over the past year, that’s easier said than done. No one in English football scored more goals than the Nigerian in 2015, and his blend of technique and physique makes him a match for anyone in the Premier League. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if he managed to get on the scoresheet once again here.
Watford injuries and suspensions
Out: Joel Ekstrand (knee); Nathan Aké (suspended). In doubt: None.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Vincent Kompany (calf); Samir Nasri (hamstring). In doubt: Fernando (hamstring).
Watford’s only absentees are defenders Ekstrand and Aké, who are sidelined through long-term injury and suspension respectively. José Holebas and Ikechi Anya will be fighting to replace the latter at left-back.
Match date/time: Sat., Jan. 2, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local
Venue: Vicarage Road, Watford, England
TV: Sportsnet World (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (UK)
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