Watford v Manchester City: match preview

Watford have an injury crisis. A 12-storey crisis with a magnificent entrance hall, carpeting throughout, 24-hour portage, and an enormous sign on the roof, saying “This Is a Large Crisis”. A large crisis requires a large plan so Watford can count themselves lucky they have Claudio Ranieri in the dugout. Who better to dream up another win over a side from Manchester? Well, one manager leaps to mind, Pep Guardiola. Manchester City are navigating their own injury problems with aplomb and, as Jack Grealish and Phil Foden return to full fitness, a fifth win in succession will be expected. The chance to go top if Chelsea drop points against West Ham will only add fuel to the fire. Watford could also rappel into the relegation zone if they lose and Burnley beat Newcastle. Graham Searles

Saturday 5.30pm Sky Sports Premier League

Venue Vicarage Road

Last season n/a

Referee Kevin Friend

This season G5 Y31 R2 6.6 cards/game

Odds H 16-1 A 2-9 D 7-1

WATFORD

Subs from Elliot, Fletcher, Gosling, Tufan, Hernández, Louza, Femenía, Kabasele

Doubtful None

Injured Sema (knee, 10 Dec), Sierralta (hamstring, 10 Dec), Foster (groin, Jan), Etebo (quadriceps, Mar), Nkoulou (hamstring, unknown), Sarr (knee, unknown), Masina (hamstring, unknown), Baah (ankle, unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y31 R1

Form WLLWLL

Leading scorer Dennis 6

MANCHESTER CITY

Subs from Steffen, Carson, Palmer, Fernandinho, Jesus, Aké, Mbete, Zinchenko, Silva, Stones, Delap, De Bruyne

Doubtful None

Injured Torres (foot, Jan)

Suspended None

Discipline Y21 R1

Form WLWWWW

Leading scorer Silva 5