Man City reclaimed their top spot on the Premier League table after beating Brighton in midweek and they take on Watford at home in their next fixture.
That 3-0 win over Brighton win came at a cost because Nathan Ake and John Stones were both withdrawn early on Wednesday. Their manager has admitted that the duo remain injury doubts for Saturday’s match and even Kyle Walker will be touch and go for Man City.
“He is getting better[Kyle Walker],” revealed the boss during his pre-match press conference.
“We will see tomorrow. [John had] a niggle. Little problems, like Nathan. Today we make an assessment, tomorrow we decide.”
🩺 John Stones: 'Niggles'
📈 Kyle Walker: 'Getting better'
🏥 Nathan Ake: Subject to fitness testHere's the full #ManCity fitness update from Pep Guardiola ahead of Watford (H) in the #PL:
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) April 22, 2022
Thankfully, Ruben Dias has returned to action at the perfect time so if John Stones and Ake are not fit then Laporte and Dias will pair up in central midfield. If Walker is not available then Joao Cancelo will move to the right with Zinchenko playing on the left-hand side.
Pep Guardiola has also hinted that he will look to rotate his players this weekend so some players who played against Brighton might start on the bench on Saturday.
“When you have just three days the day after the game the guys who didn’t play train properly, the others refresh for tomorrow,” he added.
“We try to avoid extra energy and keep it for the right time. We finished the game [Brighton] at 10pm and we play at 3pm tomorrow. I
“In that time it’s just [about] refreshing the head.”
The Hornets are 19th on the Premier League table and have lost four out of their previous five matches so despite City missing three key defenders, Watford are not likely to cause any major concerns to the Etihad outfit.
Man City, surprisingly, have won just two out of their previous five games but their squad depth and quality will be more than enough to pick up an easy win against Watford.
