Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero finished as last season's top scorer Getty Images

Manchester City host newly promoted Watford at the Etihad on 29 August, as the Citizens look to go five points clear of their nearest rivals.

Where to Watch

Kick-off is set for 3pm BST. Hightlights of the game will be available on BBC Match of the Day at 10:35pm BST on BBC One.

Overview

Manchester City have started the season on a bright note and are looking good to win their third league title in three years. The Citizens have won three on the bounce, taking their run of wins to nine, which started last season. Chelsea and Arsenal have failed to keep up the pace with City and have lost and drawn a game each in the first three encounters and have already developed a five-point deficit with the league leaders.

Manuel Pellegrini has already spent over £150m in transfers this season and knows that it is a make or break year to keep his place in the squad next season. The game will come too soon for Kevin de Bruyne to make his debut for the Citizens, but the Belgian, who is expected to complete a record move to City before the transfer window, should be available for selection after the international break.

Watford are also unbeaten in the league this season, having secured three consecutive draws in their opening three games in the league. However, it will be a different challenge to keep out City, who have been at their best this season and are looking unstoppable at this point.

They have conceded only two goals in the games played thus far but their performance against City will be a true reflection of their defensive nous. They failed to live up to expectations when they faced Preston North End in the second round of the Capital One Cup, which they lost 1-0. However, the manager, Quique Flores, is unperturbed by the loss, stating that he was looking to test a few of his fringe players in the game.

What the Managers Say

Manuel Pellegrini: "It's a difficult game, because they have played three games in the Premier League. Three games they have drawn, they have a very good manager and good players, and the great mistake we could make in this moment is to think that, because we won the last three games, we will win this game."

Quique Flores: "It's very difficult to play against these type of teams who have a lot of players who can make the difference. In this case we need to be confident and keep our style. We have reasons to be confident and we are happy as it's not easy to start a new league at a new level."

Betting Odds

  • Manchester City Win: 1/5
  • Draw: 27/4
  • Watford Win: 16/1

Team News

Manchester City

Possible XI: Hart; Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Delph, Fernandinho, Navas, Nasri, Silva; Aguero

Watford

Possible XI: Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Prodl, Holebas; Capoue, Behrami; Jurado, Ighalo, Anya; Deeney

Manchester City FC