Tonight’s challenge of overcoming Walter Mazzarri’s Watford can be described as pivotal for Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side.
The Citizens have now failed to record a single victory in five games and three points against the Hornets is now a necessity to continue their pursuit of the Premier League title.
Saturday’s humiliation at Leicester saw Man City come under intense scrutiny for their abysmal and shambolic defensive performance, which saw Guardiola’s side fall 3-0 down within 20 minutes.
Not only was the 4-2 defeat embarrassing enough, but the fact Jamie Vardy managed to score three goals against City (having previously not scored for 16 games) added to the club’s woes.
On the contrary, Watford recently overcame a poor Everton side to ensure their good form continues under former Napoli manager Mazzarri.
For Guardiola to get the better of his Italian counterpart he must pick this starting XI against the Hertfordshire side at the Etihad Stadium…
GK: Claudio Bravo
The former Barcelona man has been a total and utter shambles since moving to Manchester in August.
Bravo must continue to try and implement Guardiola’s iconic philosophy, and only game-time can decide whether or not he’s capable of adapting to the English game.
RB: Bacary Sagna
Despite City’s frailties in defence in recent weeks, Bacary Sagna is the one defender who can walk away with his head held high.
The France international is maturing like a fine wine, and with his contract set to expire in the summer, he’s auditioning to remain at the club beyond his current deal.
Sagna must ensure composure is instilled on the right-flank and put in another solid defensive display against Watford.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo
With City almost incapable of keeping a clean-sheet, now is as good a time as any for Guardiola to finally allow his young players their chance to shine in the first-team.
19-year-old Tosin Adarabioyo is so well regarded within the club that he has been discussed as the long-term replacement for Vincent Kompany.
Adarabioyo could be tasked with preventing Troy Deeney scoring his 100th Watford goal, but the physicality of the youngster make him an adequate competitor.
CB: John Stones
Ball playing centre-back? Stones had shocker during City’s defeat at the King Power Stadium last weekend, and with his confidence so low, he must now restore the form previously shown during the opening weeks of the season.
Stones could prove decisive in opening up the Watford midfield and his ability to drive at the opposition could severely damage the Hornets.
LB: Aleksandar Kolarov
There’s not a more disliked player amongst the Manchester City supporters than Aleksandar Kolarov – the Serbian left-back has been incredibly weak lately.
However, with options thin on the ground, the Eastern European should get the nod again and will have to show the form he displayed in the early weeks of the season to win over the ever-expanding list of critics.
DM: Fernando
The former Porto midfielder continues to impress everyone around him with his consistency when called upon by Guardiola.
With Fernandinho’s form, Fernando has rarely featured for the Citizens this season, but now with the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk man continuing his suspension, he will be called upon to continue providing security for City’s back four against Watford.
CM: Yaya Toure
Ilkay Gundogan has played four games in 14 days and ahead of the visit of Arsenal, so the German midfielder should be rested against Watford.
Thankfully for Guardiola, now Toure has returned he can call on the services of the Ivorian to fill a required gap in the City midfield.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne
It’s been nearly two months since De Bruyne produced a world-class performance, as since contributing to City’s successful beating of Barcelona, the Belgian has been non-existent.
Against Watford, De Bruyne’s delivery from set-pieces must be taken advantage of, but also his creativity will be the fundamental factor in City overcoming the Hornets.
RW: Raheem Sterling
The form of Raheem Sterling has been a catalyst for City’s success this season. The England winger has been devasting to opposition left-backs, and his loss was significantly missed following a knock picked up against Burnley.
Sterling’s pace can stretch a Watford team that will remain solid and hopeful of catching City on the counter-attack. Sterling is due a goal and it couldn’t come at a better time.
LW: Nolito
Since signing from Celta Vigo in the summer, Nolito has made a big impression on the City faithful, however, his ill-discipline has witnessed him fall from a first-team regular to a ‘super-sub,’
But, his performances continue to be impressive, and he ensures goals and directness when too regularly this season the team attempt to pass the ball into the goal, instead of shooting.
His presence would be missed against Watford if he weren’t to start.
ST: Kelechi Iheanacho
With Sergio Aguero absent due to suspension, the pressure on Nigerian striker Iheanacho cannot be underestimated.
The 20-year-old has big shoes to fill, and he must now start providing Guardiola with questions to ponder when the Argentine returns on New Year’s Eve.
A goal against Watford could prove his worth to Guardiola.