Manchester City host Watford on Tuesday evening as the club’s Carabao Cup campaign gets underway.
The Citizens are aiming to win the League Cup for the seventh time in 12 seasons in 2024/25, having dominated the competition across the last decade. For context, Pep Guardiola’s individual record of four successes in the League Cup is as many as Tottenham have managed (4) and double the number of Arsenal successes (2) in either side’s history.
City head into Tuesday’s tie unbeaten across all competitions this season, though have been frustrated during consecutive draws with Inter Milan and Arsenal.
At the weekend, John Stones scored a 98th-minute equaliser to rescue a result against Arsenal, who defended in numbers at the Etihad after Leandro Trossard was sent off.
Their opponents, Watford, have made a solid start to their Championship campaign under ex-Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley. However, The Hornets have lost their last 15 meetings with Manchester City in all competitions and have not beaten the Blues since 1989.
Manchester City vs Watford – Predicted lineup and team news
Manchester City team news
There was a cruel blow for Guardiola and his team against Arsenal after Rodri picked up a first-half injury. The Spain midfielder is set for an extended spell on the sidelines and could miss the remainder of the campaign.
Rodri’s influence on the side has been well-documented and City will need their midfield alternatives to step up in the 28-year-old’s absence. Ilkay Gundogan returned from Barcelona in the summer to add depth, while Matheus Nunes will want to make the most of potentially increased involvement after an underwhelming debut year.
Rodri is out for the season after tearing his ACL against Arsenal, per multiple reports.
The Ballon d’Or contender has only played 66 Premier League minutes this season.
Damn 💔 pic.twitter.com/NiElfoWTdE
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 23, 2024
Erling Haaland should be one of several big names rested for this tie, ahead of a tough trip to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime. Guardiola will need to tweak his team given the absence of an out-and-out alternative to Haaland and Phil Foden could start at centre-forward.
Opportunities could also be handed to several academy graduates looking to follow Foden’s example and break into the first-team. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Jacob Wright, Nico O’Reilly and James McAtee could all be handed minutes. Stefan Ortega is expected to start in goal in place of Ederson.
Manchester City predicted line up
Manchester City Predicted lineup: Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Simpson-Pusey, Wilson-Esbrand; Nunes, Wright; O’Reilly, McAtee, Grealish; Foden.
When is Manchester City vs Watford?
Manchester City host Watford in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday 24th September 2024. Kick-off at the Etihad is 19:45 BST.
What TV channel is Manchester City vs Watford on?
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports+.
