Premier League preview and odds: Watford vs Manchester City

Published on: 31/12/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Watford vs Manchester City

January 2, 2015 15:00pm - Vicarage Road

Premier League

Watford face a top-four side for the second time in a week when they welcome third-ranked Manchester City to Vicarage Road in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

Watford beaten for first time in five matches

Watfords run of five games without defeat came to an end on Monday when they were beaten at home by top-four dwellers Tottenham Hotspur. With the scores level at 1-1, the Hornets were reduced to 10 men after the dismissal of Nathan Ake. They will now host another team from the top four in their first game of the New Year.

With half the season gone, the Hertfordshire side are well on course for Premier League survival in what is their first season back in the top flight since they were relegated in 2009.

City struggling on the road

Manchester City have not won an away game in the league since September, a run that stretches back six games. In their latest encounter, they were held to a 0-0 draw by second-ranked Leicester City. It was their third goalless draw in their last five away games.

The Citizens remain just three points behind the league leaders despite losing five games in the first half of the season. No team has ever won the Premier League title after losing that many games before Christmas.

Team news

The home side will continue without Joel Ekstrand. Meanwhile, City are still without the injured duo of Vincent Kompany and Samir Nasri - however, Fernando is expected to recover in time.

Recent form (League)

Watford: LDWWW

Manchester City: DWLWL

Betting odds and tips

Watford remained competitive in the match against Tottenham despite going down to 10 men. In the end, they were unlucky not to have claimed a point from that game. City have only scored one goal in their last five away games and are no longer a dominant force on the road.

The Watford-Draw Double Chance looks like a good bet at 5/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 31/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (31/12/2015 13:25:05) but are subject to change.