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Manchester City and Watford will lock horns on Tuesday at the Etihad Stadium in the third round of the EFL Cup. The Hornets have had to see off MK Dons and Plymouth Argyle in the first two rounds while City are set to kickstart their new campaign in one of their favourite competitions.
City have been one of the most dominant teams in the EFL Cup since Pep Guardiola took the reins at the club. However, they have not won the competition since the 2020-21 campaign but have kept filling their trophy cabinets with grander cups and medals.
City's EFL Cup campaign ended as soon as it started last season with Newcastle United kicking them out of the competition in the third round. City are coming off an exciting 2-2 draw with Arsenal and will be looking to return to winning ways as they take on Watford on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, current Watford manager and former Red Devils midfielder Tom Cleverley will hope against hope for a grand return to the city of Manchester. The Hornets got off to a great start to the 2024-25 season under Cleverley but seem to have lost some of their momentum in recent weeks.
Watford are winless in their last three matches with their 4-1 loss to Norwich City on Saturday being their worst performance of the season.
They have a mountain to climb on Tuesday. It's important that they put up a fight against City because they surely risk taking another major hit to their confidence as they go up against a much stronger side.
Manchester City vs Watford Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Manchester City and Watford have clashed 33 times in the past. City have won 22 wins while Watford have six. Five matches have ended in a draw.
- Watford have failed to win in their last 20 matches against City across all competitions.
- Manchester City have scored a total of 26 goals in their last five matches in all competitions against Watford while shipping in just two.
- City have scored at least two goals in each of their last 15 matches against the Hornets in all competitions.
- Guardiola's men are unbeaten so far this season.
Manchester City vs Watford Prediction
Guardiola will give the youngsters a chance to impress. But it doesn't mean that Watford will have it easy. Cleverley's side won't be high on confidence after the big defeat against Norwich on Saturday.
City's squad is packed with talented players and the Cityzens should earn a comfortable victory here.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Watford
Manchester City vs Watford Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Manchester City to win
Tip 2: Game to have under 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Manchester City to keep a clean sheet - Yes
