While Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled defensively of late, our tipster believes they should have enough firepower to get the better of the visitors in a high-scoring clash
The last time Manchester City won a match at home was on 17th September and their unexpectedly poor current run of form has seen them slip seven points behind leaders Chelsea. Indeed, it was the Blues who triumphed in City’s last league match at the Etihad Stadium with a 3-1 win which felt like it could be a big result in the title race.
With Antonio Conte’s men travelling to bottom side Sunderland on Wednesday night, City know they can afford no further slip-ups against Watford and Betway offer the hosts at 2/7 (1.28).
The visitors meanwhile have been picking up some important wins in their battle for survival which have lifted them to seventh in the table, although manager Walter Mazzarri will know that the Hornets are far from safe and heavy defeats in their last two away matches at West Brom and Liverpool underline that there is still plenty of work to be done.
The visitors can be backed at 11/1 (12.00) to win in a stadium where they were beaten 2-0 last season, while the draw is offered at 5/1 (6.00).
One of the most eye-catching aspects of City’s season under Pep Guardiola so far has been the side’s inability to keep things tight at the back. The hosts have managed just three clean sheets in their 15 Premier League matches this term and have conceded seven goals in their last two league encounters.
Watford for their part have found the back of the net in 12 of their 15 top flight games, including against every team they have faced in the top half of the table. Both teams to score is offered at 3/4 (1.75) while for higher odds the price of evens (2.00) for over 3.5 goals in the game could appeal.
Guardiola’s side will, of course, be without the suspended Sergio Aguero, but there should still be enough quality in the side for them to claim a win and the price of 8/5 (2.60) for a home victory and both teams to score looks tempting. This selection has paid out in seven of the Blues’ nine league wins this season and if we think they are capable of claiming three points, then it seems a good way of backing them at a healthy price.
