Man City v Watford predictions: City can edge closer to successful title defence

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Manchester City v Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

When to bet

Kick-off 3pm Saturday

Best bet

Man City to win to nil
1pt 4-6 Betfair

Team news

Manchester City
Ruben Dias could be ready to make his first Premier League start since February but Kyle Walker (ankle) is a doubt.

Watford
Cucho Hernandez (thigh) misses out and Francisco Sierralta, Samuel Kalu, William Troost-Ekong and Nicolas Nkoulou are doubts.

Match preview

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned that any dropped points could be decisive in the title race but his team are highly unlikely to falter against second-bottom Watford.

The Hornets are seven points adrift of safety and cannot afford to be picky about where they get the points they need to secure safety.

However, they were beaten 8-0 on their last trip to the Etihad and Saturday's contest may boil down to an exercise in keeping the score respectable.

City may have to show some patience before unpicking a Hornets defence which has shown some improvement under Roy Hodgson. But once the hosts get their noses in front, they should cruise to the finish line.

Watford are the highest scorers among the bottom three but they have failed to score in three of their last four games against City - all of which were defeats - and are unlikely to register at the Etihad.

Key stat

Manchester City's last three victories have been accompanied by a clean sheet.

Inside info

Manchester City

Penalty taker Kevin De Bruyne/Riyad Mahrez
Free-kick wizard Kevin De Bruyne
Set-piece aerial threat Ruben Dias
Card magnet Rodri

Watford

Penalty taker Joshua King
Free-kick wizard Ismaila Sarr
Set-piece aerial threat Samir
Card magnet Emmanuel Dennis

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