Manchester City rivals: Which EPL club poses biggest threat to title push?

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: The Manchester City team line up prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Manchester City FC and FC Dynamo Kyiv at the Etihad Stadium on March 15, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

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WATFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Troy Deeney of Watford celebrates after scoring their first goal during the pre-season friendly match between Watford and Lorient at Vicarage Road on August 6, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

12) Watford

Let’s get one thing straight: striker Odion Ighalo and Heurelho Gomes are studs. Captain Troy Deeney is a great leader for the Hornets too. But that giant slide after the halfway mark through the season raises concerns. That drastic drop in performance was because Watford has the reputation of churning through players way too quickly, preventing any continuity from taking hold. What’s worse is that definitive 2-0 preseason defeat to QPR.

With that out there, though, defenders Juan Camilo Zúñiga on loan from Napoli and Étienne Capoue should help tidy things up in back. New manager Walter Mazarri should institute some tactical stability if given the time.

Whether Watford turns out to be a mid-table club or resident of the cellar remains to be seen. Ighalo’s 15 goals last season, however, advises Manchester City to approach the Hornets with respect.

Next: No. 11 Crystal Palace