Match Day Thread Manchester City v Watford

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MANCHESTER CITY v WATFORD

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Etihad Stadium
Saturday 21st September
Kick Off 1500 BST

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Manchester City will be looking to bounce back after a huge upset at the hands of Norwich City last week, as they host a resurgent Watford side coming off the back of a brilliant comeback against Arsenal.


City trail leaders Liverpool by five points, which could already be a pivotal lead baring in mind the quality of both teams.

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Under new (old) management, the Hornets staged a thrilling come back against Arsenal to claim a 2-2 draw, and will be high on confidence going to the Etihad.

Despite that, they will need a miracle to come away with even one point, but knowing City are looking short defensively, they will most certainly give it a go.

Manchester City are in the midst of a major defensive crisis. After Aymeric Laporte was ruled out until at least January, John Stones has now suffered a muscle injury, meaning he will be sidelined for five weeks.


This means Nicolas Otamendi is the only fit senior centre back at the club, leaving Pep Guardiola with a major headache. Fernandinho is likely to be drafted in next to the Argentine.

There is no major injury news in regards to any Watford player, but Troy Deeney continues to be sidelined after suffering a knee surgery.


Roberto Pereyra is likely to come back into the team after making a goal scoring cameo from the bench against Arsenal after being eased back from injury.

Our Referee:

Mike Dean

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Dean will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Dan Robathan, while Jeremy Simpson will be fourth official and Craig Pawson is on Video Assistant Referee duties.

Pawson was also VAR for Watford's trip to Newcastle in which he missed a handball in the build up to the home side's equaliser in Javi Gracia's last game in charge.

WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD - ENJOY THE GAME ​

 

Very good luck to the Golden Boys

 

Tell us how it's done!

 

Easy
Score more goals than they do

 

Maybe, just maybe, it is a good time to play them. Not sure when is mind...

 

Show no fear and attack them with quick interplay and especially pressurise Stones!

 

That will be difficult as he is not playing!
We could get Dawson to mark him by sitting next to him in the stand? That might help us!

 

or maybe not - https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...ster-city-bogey-teams-premier-league-football

 

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"Jesus," and he isn't even playing.

(Predicted Guardian line up above)

 

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Not sure if I have seen Foulquier or not. Looks as if Deulofeu could be having a hard afternoon as a lone striker.

 

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Interesting line-up. I'm not sure what to make of it.

 

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What time is it there NZ? Something silly o'clock I will wager.

 

Good afternoon all.
This stream has come up but it adverts at the moment
http://firstrowsportes.net/soccer/manchester-city-watford-krk7313c4?l=1318288993
Other alternative streams welcome please.
Very defensive line up, damage limitation? Hopefully not and a better result than in the cup.
No Welbeck - is he injured?
Enjoy the game all.

 

Had a good stream from firstrow earlier. I have pictures of the warm up from http://firstrowsportes.net/soccer/manchester-city-watford-krk73143c?l=1843157963

 

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I hope he enjoys himself today.

 

Oh dear!