Manchester City vs Watford Predictions

Manchester City vs Watford predictions for this Carabao Cup tie. Manchester City host Watford at the Etihad Stadium in Tuesday’s EFL Cup third-round, evoking tough memories for the visitors. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

EFL Cup | Third Round | Sep 24, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City vs Watford Predictions

Will Watford’s Defence Hold Against City’s Relentless Attack?

• City’s Corner Dominance: Manchester City have averaged 8.8 corners per game this season, reflecting their attacking intent and control in matches. Expect a similar figure against Watford, as they look to keep the pressure on their opponents’ defence throughout the match.
• Watford’s Leaky Defence: The Hornets have conceded nine goals in their last three matches, including a 4-1 thrashing by Norwich. With key defenders missing, they are likely to struggle against City’s dynamic attack.
• Youthful City Firepower: Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly could be one to watch if he features, as he looks to make an impact in a rotated City side. The youngster has impressed at youth level and could thrive in a match where City are expected to dominate possession and chances.

Our Tips

Manchester City are set to host Watford in the third round of the EFL Cup at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. This clash presents a stark contrast between the reigning Premier League champions and a Championship side currently struggling to find form. The Citizens, known for their dominance in English football, will aim to assert their authority in a competition that has seen them lift the trophy numerous times in recent years. Meanwhile, Watford, who have had a rocky start to their season, will look to defy the odds and secure an unlikely upset against their formidable opponents.

City come into this fixture on the back of a 2-2 draw against Arsenal, a result that ended their impressive 13-match winning streak in the league. Despite dropping points, they remain atop the Premier League table, a testament to their consistency and strength under Pep Guardiola. The match against Arsenal, however, showcased both their resilience and occasional vulnerabilities, especially given they had to play the second half with only ten men. This midweek clash with Watford offers them a chance to rotate their squad, rest key players, and give opportunities to their emerging talents while still maintaining their winning momentum.

Watford, on the other hand, have had a less inspiring run of form. After a promising start to their campaign under new manager Tom Cleverley, which saw them secure comfortable victories over MK Dons and Plymouth Argyle in the earlier EFL Cup rounds, the Hornets have faltered. A string of disappointing results in the Championship, including a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norwich City, has seen them slip down the table. With injuries compounding their problems, the trip to the Etihad could not have come at a worse time. Nevertheless, cup competitions often have a way of surprising us, and Watford will hope to draw inspiration from the unpredictability of the EFL Cup.

Best Bet: Manchester City to Win to Nil

Given the disparity in quality and form between the two sides, the best bet for this match is backing Manchester City to win without conceding. Watford’s recent performances suggest they may struggle to break down a well-organised City defence, particularly with the injury issues they face in their attacking options.

City have only conceded five goals in their last six matches across all competitions, showcasing their defensive solidity. Even with a rotated squad, they possess enough quality at the back to keep Watford at bay. With key defenders like John Stones and Nathan Ake potentially starting, City are likely to control the game from the back, limiting Watford’s chances to counter-attack.

Furthermore, City’s approach to cup competitions under Guardiola has always been one of intensity and control. They are not a team to take lower-league opposition lightly, as evidenced by their recent history in the EFL Cup. They have the depth in their squad to field a side that, despite resting some first-team regulars, will be more than capable of securing a comfortable victory without conceding.

On the attacking front, even if the likes of Erling Haaland are rested, players such as Phil Foden and Jack Grealish can step up and contribute to the scoring. The pace and creativity in City’s attacking midfield are likely to overwhelm a Watford defence that conceded four goals to Norwich City just a few days ago.

“Watford are coming into this game low on morale and missing key players, while Manchester City, even with a rotated squad, have the quality and depth to dominate from start to finish. A win to nil for the home side seems like the most sensible bet,” says BettingTips4You.com expert Gram Dodd.

Alternative Prediction: Over 8.5 Corners in the Match

Another interesting angle for this match is the total number of corners. Manchester City have averaged a high number of corners per game this season, often due to their relentless attacking style and the pressure they put on opposition defences. In fact, they have averaged 8.8 corners per match in the Premier League so far, a clear indicator of their offensive intensity.

Watford, despite their struggles, have also been involved in games with a fair number of corners, especially when they have been forced to defend deep. Their recent match against Norwich saw them concede numerous corners as they struggled to contain the Canaries’ attack. Given City’s likely dominance and territorial control in this match, it is reasonable to expect them to win a significant number of corners.

This makes over 8.5 corners a plausible prediction. Even if City secure an early lead and slow down their attacking tempo, their tendency to keep the ball in advanced areas and probe for opportunities will naturally lead to a high corner count. Watford may contribute a few corners of their own if they manage to string together some counter-attacks or set-pieces.

Correct Score Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Watford

For the correct score prediction, Manchester City winning 4-0 seems a likely outcome. While Watford have managed to score in most of their matches this season, they are facing a City side that is well-drilled defensively, even with potential changes to their line-up. The visitors’ recent struggles, combined with City’s ability to score freely against weaker opposition, suggest a comfortable victory for the hosts.

City’s attacking prowess means they are more than capable of scoring multiple goals, even without their first-choice forwards. Phil Foden and Jack Grealish can provide the creative spark, while young talents like James McAtee may also seize the opportunity to shine. With Watford’s defence looking shaky and the morale low following their recent heavy defeat, a four-goal margin seems plausible.

City’s last two home matches against Watford ended in 5-1 and 8-0 victories, further demonstrating their attacking dominance over the Hornets. Although Watford may put up a fight initially, they are likely to be overwhelmed as the match progresses.

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