Deulofeu and Deeney to start up top? – Predicted 4-2-2-2 Watford XI to face Manchester City

Predicted Watford line-up to face Manchester City in the Premier League

Watford will travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to spring a surprise against defending Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Hornets are in a rich vein of form and have won four of their last five matches as they sit eighth in the Premier League table. Javi Gracia’s men come into the game of the back of a 2-1 victory over Leicester City.

Manchester City are also in rollicking form and are top of the table, having a slender one-point lead over second-place Liverpool.

Team News

Gracia does not have any fresh injury concerns following the victory over Leicester City last weekend.

Probable Watford XI

Formation: 4-2-2-2

Manager: Javi Gracia

Ben Foster (GK)

Foster has been in excellent form this campaign and should keep his place in goal at the weekend.

Daryl Janmaat (RB)

Janmaat is an attacking right-back who’ll look to cause problems to Manchester City with his overlapping runs and crossing abilities.

Adrian Mariappa (CB)

Mariappa is a physical, no-nonsense defender who will have to be extra vigilant against City’s nippy attackers.

Craig Cathcart (CB)

Cathcart has nailed down a regular place in the Watford backline with consistent performances. He is a certain starter against City.

Jose Holebas (LB)

His deliveries from set-pieces could cause some problems for the hosts on Sunday. The ageing Holebas will look to exploit little spaces on the left and send crosses inside the box.

 

Abdoulaye Doucoure (CM)

Doucoure is a powerful midfielder, known for his ability in the air and pick a pass. He will need to have a solid game to give the Hornets hopes of winning at City.

Etienne Capoue (CM)

Capoue is another physically blessed midfielder who is expected to partner Doucoure against City at the weekend.

Will Hughes (RM)

A technically-gifted, creative player, Hughes loves to pick up pockets of spaces and use his vision to hurt the teams. He is expected to keep his place in the team.

Roberto Pereyra (LM)

Pereyra brings a lot of invention and flair to the Watford attack, capable of turning the game in a flash. He will aim to get on the score sheet on Sunday.

Gerard Deulofeu (RS)

Deulofeu has shone at Watford this season, impressing with his pace, dribbling skills and intelligent movement in the final third.

Read more: This 22-year-old Tottenham target would be ideal for Watford to bolster the right-wing position – Here is why Gracia should sign him

Troy Deeney (LS)

Deeney will have a bigger role to play if the Hornets are to cause an upset at the Etihad.