Manchester City take on the visitors Watford in the round of 1/16-finals of English Football League Cup. The match will be played on Tuesday, September 24th at Etihad Stadium (Manchester).
Manchester City once again claimed the Premier League title last season. Prior to that, back in 2023, they completed a "treble" by adding international trophies like the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. However, despite once again overtaking Arsenal in the Premier League, they lost to their other major rivals—Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester United in the FA Cup final—despite having the upper hand in both competitions. The club’s inactivity in the transfer market during the summer raised eyebrows: even after the big-money sale of Julián Álvarez, they only brought in Savinho and re-signed Ilkay Gündogan. Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola’s team, even without significant reinforcements, claimed the Community Shield and started the Premier League with four straight wins. Last week, Erling Haaland and company were held to a 0-0 draw by Inter Milan in the Champions League. On Sunday, City faced Arsenal and, despite playing with a man advantage after halftime, only managed a 2-2 draw with a late equalizer in added time.
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Watford is trying to finally make progress. The "Hornets," even without recalling their glory days of the '90s, are remembered as a club whose owners frequently changed managers, but they managed to spend several seasons in the Premier League, albeit often getting relegated. However, their "yo-yo" status has slipped, and the London club has been stuck in the Championship for a while now. Last season's 15th-place finish was far below expectations. They are now trying to turn things around under Tom Cleverley’s leadership, with the squad typically refreshed in the summer, including bringing in players from Udinese, who share the same ownership. The team also added veteran Angelo Ogbonna, who was no longer needed by West Ham. Watford's start was convincing: even after selling Yáser Asprilla to Girona for €18 million, they won five straight matches, including in the League Cup. However, September saw a dip in form as they lost to Sheffield United, drew 1-1 at home against Coventry, and suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to Norwich.
There has been little competition between these teams recently, with City claiming 15 consecutive victories over their capital-based opponents. It's time for the "Citizens" to make a strong statement after a couple of disappointing results. Bet on the reigning champions to win at home with a -2 goal handicap against the second-division side.
Prediction for the match: Manchester City to win with -2.0 handicap.
