Lawro is more optimistic this wqeek and Charlie has come back down to earth after his 2-6 prediction last week with a more sombre prediction, probably because he was made to look like a dick!
Lawro says
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49708642
I presume Fernandinho will fill in at the back for Manchester City, the same way as he did in their win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, because they don't have anyone else to partner Nicolas Otamendi.
That all went pretty smoothly, and they definitely looked a better defensive unit than they did last weekend against Norwich, when they defended abysmally.
I cannot see it being much of an issue against the Hornets at the Etihad to be honest.
Watford showed a bit of spirit to come back from 2-0 down for a point against Arsenal last weekend, in Quique Sanchez Flores's first game back in charge.
But I do not see them keeping City quiet. It won't quite be a repeat of the scoreline from last season's FA Cup final, but I see Pep Guardiola's side winning comfortably.
Lawro's prediction: 3-0
Sam's prediction: 4-0
Charlie says
https://www.skysports.com/football/news ... ter-united
At the moment, Man City have defensive frailties and injuries. Fernandinho can play there and is comfortable doing so, Rodri could play there if needed, but Kyle Walker played as a back three for England and Guardiola could be tempted with him. I would fancy Walker to play there ahead of Nicolas Otamendi sometimes, but his passing at right-back is sometimes average.
Watford got out of jail against Arsenal, and that was from living off mistakes. I do not see Manchester City being upset by the way Watford play. I think a few may get a rest, but City will be angered by last weekend and will want to close the gap quite quickly, with Liverpool having a tough game this weekend.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-0