WATFORD take on Manchester City on Tuesday. Tom Love (@TomLove_18) shares his thoughts on the Premier League encounter.
Watford vs Manchester City | Tuesday 21st July 2020, 18:00 | Sky Sports
Watford made the bizarrely-timed decision to cut ties with manager Nigel Pearson over the weekend. They’re well versed at sacking managers over the years, doing anything they can to survive. It’s curious that they don’t have a man to step straight in, instead it’s the familiar face of coach Hayden Mullins who will take the final two games.
When you keep in mind they were six points adrift and rock bottom of the league when the former Leicester gaffer came in and they were on the cusp of survival it’s all the more strange. Pearson actually had the best points per-game of any Watford manager in Premier League history.
That being said, the Hornets have lacked any kind of energy, especially in the first half of recent games. It’s been peculiar to see the lack of effort given their predicament.
Mullins still has it all to do although it’s still in the Hornets’ hands. They’ve got to host Manchester City here then go to the Emirates on Sunday. They could get zero points from them and still stay up but it’s then out of their hands of course.
Goal difference could be pivotal and that makes this game all the more intriguing. Watford have a four-goal advantage on both sides below them, keeping the score to the minimum could therefore be genuinely pivotal.
Manchester City will be eager to hit back after their disappointing FA Cup exit to Arsenal at the weekend. Sure, they’ve not got anything to play for in the league and their focus will now turn to the Champions League, but I’d be more wary of them off the back of the defeat than a win. Wounded animal etc.
Pep Guardiola may rotate his team here but there’s quality with whoever is involved. They still rank as the best team on the underlying metrics in the Premier League and I actually think the 1/3 quotes about them here aren’t the worst. However, given Watford will be hell-bent on not shipping a load of goals with goal difference so key, I’ll boost the 1/3 to a backable 4/5 (SkyBet) on City to win and Under 4.5 Goals.
This way we still get a whole host of scorelines on our side, City could concede and we still have 2-1 and 3-1 onside.
It’s tough to guess who will start for City with the rotation but I’m hoping David Silva gets a start. What a player he’s been for the Premier League, it will be sad to see him go in the summer. He’s turning it on for his farewell tour though which is super to see. A sublime free kick against Bournemouth was a personal highlight.
Silva's having more efforts on goal too, the Spaniard has recorded at least one shot on-target and I’m happy to take the 10/11 from Pokerstars on him to repeat the feat here should he start. He’s taking for free kicks which does help too, it’s one I’d hold off for team news, mind.
Best Bets
Watford vs Manchester City – Manchester City to win and Under 4.5 Goals (4/5 SkyBet)
Watford vs Manchester City – David Silva 1+ shot on target (10/11 Pokerstars)
