Manchester City: Citizens Host Watford in Round #16 of EPL

WATFORD, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City (3R) celebrates with his team mates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Watford and Manchester City at Vicarage Road on January 2, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

After suffering back-to-back Premier League defeats against Chelsea and Leicester City respectively, Manchester City look to bounce back on Wednesday with the arrival of Watford to the Etihad.

Falling 4-2 at Leicester on Saturday, Pep Guardiola‘s side now sit seven points behind Chelsea for the top spot in the Premiership. Saturday was an ugly defeat, with the Foxes leading 3-0 at halftime. Jamie Vardy shredded the Manchester City back-line multiple times, netting a hat-trick in the win.

A win on Wednesday would set up nicely for City’s top-four showdown with Arsenal this coming Sunday. Watford, on the other hand sits seventh after defeating Everton 3-2 at Vicarage Road last Saturday.

According to BBC Sport, they could be without defender Younes Kaboul who is still recovering from a calf injury, while midfielder Roberto Pereyra is back from his one-match ban. Valon Behrami is out due to illness. Manchester City will still be without Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho due to suspension, while Nicolas Otamendi could be recalled after returning from his one-match ban.

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Watford is a team that should not be taken lightly after coming off a win of their own. Strikers Troy Deeney and Stefano Okaka both are physical and provide aerial threats in the box. Pereyra is a facilitator while defender Sebastian Prodl has done well as the lead CB.

With a huge game quickly coming up for Guardiola’s men, here are my three things to watch for.

1.) The defending has to be ALOT better than at Leicester!
This is not a hard guess, but the defending for Manchester City has to be a lot better than it was at Leicester. Jamie Vardy was able to use his pace to shred the back-line constantly, while Manchester City seemed content with staying back. By the time it was halftime, the Citizens were in a 3-0 hole which they ultimately didn’t come back from. Goals from Alex Kolarov and Nolito were mere consolations but it has to all start from the back on Wednesday. The defenders need to play with confidence and stand up strong to what likely will be a two-striker front tomorrow at the Etihad.

2.) Man City’s forwards need to do a better job in the final third.
Another issue that came up was Manchester City’s inability in the final third on Saturday. They have to be more clinical in front of goal if they want to win on Wednesday. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, and Ilkay Gundogan need to lead by example and show why they are internationals. With Kelechi Iheanacho still trying to get back to Premier League pace, the others around him need to do a better job of supporting the youngster. There is a ton of talent on this roster and they need to get back to a dominating mentality.

3.) Player to Watch — Stefano Okaka.
The 27 year-old striker netted two goals in Watford’s 3-2 home win last Saturday. He has been able to play next to Troy Deeney which gives Walter Mazzari another forward in attack. His first goal was a nice piece of skill, back-heeling it into the goal. His second was a header in the box which proves he can score in a variety of ways. The back-line for Manchester City must be ready for a physical fight tomorrow and Okaka should be full of confidence after netting a brace.

Next: Manchester City Injury Update: Three To Miss Watford

Manchester City cannot afford to lose tomorrow and fall even further behind Chelsea, nor do I think they will. That being said, I see Manchester City winning 2-1 tomorrow at the Etihad to snap the losing streak. It will be good for confidence with Arsenal approaching and the rest of the busy December month.