Manchester City predicted lineup vs Watford - Premier League
By Max Parsons
Manchester City face their latest must-win fixture as they host Watford on Saturday afternoon.
With the chance to, at least temporarily, move four points clear at the top of the table before Liverpool take part in a Merseyside Derby on Sunday, Pep Guardiola's men simply must earn a fifth Premier League victory in seven outings.
They most recently beat Brighton 3-0 at the Etihad to follow up a disheartening 3-2 FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Jurgen Klopp's machine.
They face a Watford side surely destined for the second tier next term. Here's how Guardiola could set his side out.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Ederson (GK) - An easy choice between the sticks, Ederson has missed just one Premier League outing so far this campaign.
Joao Cancelo (RB) - With Kyle Waler likely to remain absent this weekend, Cancelo should continue on the right side of the back line.
Ruben Dias (CB) - John Stones appeared to pick up a knock against Brighton on Wednesday, leaving the door wide open for Dias' first league start since February.
Aymeric Laporte (CB) - Should continue at the heart of defence and he's set to make an eighth successive league start.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) - Nathan Ake also reportedly withdrew from midweek's action with injury, which will surely result in Zinchenko's return to the fold.
2. Midfielders
Fernandinho (DM) - Rodri might be given a rest for this one, having not impressed all that much against the Seagulls, so veteran Fernandinho could feature.
Bernardo Silva (CM) - Visibly a more impactful presence from deep and should start in midfield after scoring a lovely goal on Wednesday.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM) - In sensational individual form, consistently putting in masterclass after masterclass. We're witnessing a maestro in his prime.
3. Forwards
Gabriel Jesus (RW) - With a plethora of attacking options at Guardiola's disposal, Jesus could be set for a return to the right flank with Riyad Mahrez potentially dropping out.
Phil Foden (CF) - Should remain in the side after scoring his eighth Premier League goal of the season last time out.
Raheem Sterling (LW) - An unused substitute in midweek, Sterling may be preferred on the left flank, in search of a first league strike in five appearances.