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Manchester City vs Watford: EFL Cup Match Preview
Manchester City has gone two consecutive matches without a victory in both the Champions League and Premier League. On September 24, in the EFL Cup, the Citizens will aim to end this disappointing run and Watford will be feeling the pressure. Should you place a bet on a decisive home win today? Find out in our prediction.
Command Analysis
Manchester City
EnglandCurrent Form
Manchester City heads into the upcoming match after a series of mixed results in both the Champions League and Premier League. In their last two matches, they drew against Inter (0-0) and Arsenal (2-2). Despite having a man advantage for the entire second half against the London side, they could only equalize at the very end. Nevertheless, under Pep Guardiola, City maintains the top spot in the Premier League, just one point ahead of their closest rivals. They begin their League Cup campaign in the round of 16, looking to improve after last year's early exit at this stage against Newcastle.
Injuries and Suspensions
Today, Ake, Bobb, and De Bruyne are sidelined due to injury.
Interesting Betting Trends
- In the last four head-to-head matches, Manchester City has led at halftime
- In four of their last five matches, City scored over one goal in the first half
Projected Lineup: Ortega – Walker, Stones, Guardiola, Wilson-Esbrand – MacTi, Lewis – Lewis, Gundogan, Grealish – Foden.
Watford
EnglandCurrent Form
The days when Watford competed in the Premier League are long gone. Currently, they sit eighth in the Championship after six rounds. Questions arise about Tom Cleverley's squad as they haven't secured a win in the last three matches, suffering two losses and a draw. Ahead of the cup matchup, the Hornets faced a heavy 1-4 defeat to Norwich away from home. However, in the League Cup, Watford has successfully progressed through two rounds, albeit against relatively easier opponents, Milton Keynes (2-0) and Plymouth (2-0).
Injuries and Suspensions
Bachmann and Sierralta are injured and will miss today's match.
Interesting Betting Trends
- In three of their last four matches, Watford has not lost in fouls
- In four of their last five matches, Watford has conceded in the first half
Projected Lineup: Bond – Porteous, Pollock, Morris – Andrews, Louza, Dele-Bashiru, Sema – Wata, Chakvetadze – Jebbison.
Trends
Bet Both Halves - Yes
In four of Watford's last five matches, goals were scored in both halves
1.41Bet 1st Half: Total Over 1.5 Goals
This bet was successful in the last five encounters
2.00Bet Exact Score 3:1
Two of Manchester City's last six victories came with this scoreline
10.00Tip and bets
It's clear that we shouldn't expect the first team from Manchester City today. However, the bench is strong and many substitutes have a significant skill advantage over the opponent. Motivation shouldn't be an issue, especially since they have failed to win in their last two matches. Watford has not secured a win in their last three Championship outings and is unlikely to provide strong resistance away against a top team.
Our prediction is Manchester City with an Asian handicap of (-2) at odds of 1.68
Total Goals Bet
Recently, Watford conceded four goals against Norwich. Today they will face a stronger attacking force. We believe that if Manchester City is focused and efficient, they can surpass the given goal total on their own.
Our second bet is on over 3.5 goals at odds of 1.96.
First Half Bet
In the last five encounters, Manchester City has consistently performed well in the opening phases, often leading by halftime. It’s unlikely they will struggle at the start of this match on their home ground.
Our prediction is for Manchester City to win the first half at odds of 1.47.
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