Manchester City travel to Watford on Saturday evening, as both sides continue intriguing battles at either end of the Premier League table.
The hosts sit just three points above the drop zone, although have shown signs of promise since Claudio Ranieri took over in October. The Italian has lost five of his seven games in charge, although can take positives from a 4-2 defeat to Leicester before losing 2-1 to Chelsea in their last two outings, while also boasting impressive wins against Everton and Manchester United in that time.
They face a very tough task on Saturday, in the shape of a ruthless Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side are second, a point behind leaders Chelsea, and have been in barnstorming form in recent weeks. Since their surprise 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at the Etihad in late October, the Cityzens have earned six consecutive wins in all competitions, earning 2-1 victories against Paris Saint-Germain, West Ham and most recently Aston Villa in their last three fixtures.
Here's 90min's preview of this clash.
How to watch Watford vs Man City on TV
When is kick off? Saturday 4 December, 17:30 (GMT)
Where is it being played? Vicarage Road
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League (UK), fuboTV (US)
Highlights? Sky Sports Football YouTube channel, BBC Match of the Day (UK)
Referee? Kevin Friend
VAR? John Brooks
Watford team news
Ranieri is expected to be without Adam Masina on Saturday, after the left-back was forced off inside ten minutes against Chelsea last time out. His absence will likely give Danny Rose an opportunity to start for the Hornets.
The Italian has a few other injury woes to contend with. Key men Ismaila Sarr, Ben Foster and Nicolas N'Koulou will remain sidelined, while Kwadwo Baah and Peter Etebo will also continue their recoveries from injury.
You can read Watford's predicted lineup here.
Man City team news
Guardiola's men were boosted by the returns of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish to the matchday squad on Wednesday night, with the latter making a cameo against former club Aston Villa.
However, Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan were forced to miss out at Villa Park and are doubts for Saturday's clash. The same is true for John Stones, although Aymeric Laporte's return from suspension provides relief in central defence.
Elsewhere, Ferran Torres will remain out of contention through injury and Kevin De Bruyne isn't expected to make a return to action just yet.
You can read Man City's predicted lineup here.
Watford vs Man City head to head record
Watford fans: look away now.
The record between these two sides makes for severely dire reading for Saturday's hosts. In 31 meetings, City have come out on top 20 times while Watford have won just six times (five draws).
The Hornets haven't beaten the Cityzens since 1989 and haven't even managed a draw since 2007. Since then, City have won all 13 of the two sides' encounters and have won the last three with an aggregate scoreline of 18-0, including the above 8-0 rout at the Etihad in the 2019/20 campaign.
Watford vs Man City score prediction
Ranieri got Watford their first ever win at Goodison Park with a brilliant 5-2 victory in his second game in charge but, however romantic you're feeling, there's just no way he is getting the Hornets' first victory over City in nearly 33 years this weekend.
There have been encouraging signs from Saturday's hosts in recent weeks, and they've proven capable of finding the back of the net - very capable, in fact. They also leak goals, however. And, against this City side, that's a crime punishable by death.
With the sheer quality and collective brilliance oozing from each performance City give at the moment, there can only be one winner in this one.
Prediction: Watford 0-4 Manchester City
Source: 90min
