Manchester City vs Watford: Predictions, tips & betting odds

The Blues will be keen to warm up for the Champions League semi-final with a win and should be able to make a fast start against the Hornets

Premier League leaders Manchester City welcome Watford to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday as Pep Guardiola's men aim to take another step towards defending their title.

The Blues come into this round of fixtures just a point above Liverpool and know they can ill-afford to drop points if they wish to retain their Premier League crown.

Watford, meanwhile, are battling for their lives, with time running out for the Hornets who are seven points from safety.

Manchester City vs Watford latest odds

City have suffered two league defeats in front of their own fans this season, going down to both Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

The hosts on Saturday, however, are massive favourites to claim three points, with bet365 pricing them at 1/10 (1.10), with the draw at 9/1 (10.00) and the visitors at 25/1 (26.00).

Manchester City vs Watford first goalscorer

Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez are the two favourites to break the deadlock at 4/1 (5.00), while Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling are all offered at 9/2 (5.50).

The shortest priced Watford player to score first is Josh King at 22/1 (23.00).

Manchester City vs Watford preview

Watford's away form has been considerably better than their record at home, with Roy Hodgson's men winning two of their last five games on the road, as well as claiming a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, Saturday's return to Manchester is likely to be a much tougher prospect and City will be relishing the prospect of playing vulnerable opponents.

The Blues look set to have all their attacking players available for the game and they have shown this season they are capable of demolishing sides in the lower part of the division.

With a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid in a few days' time, Guardiola will want to get the game won with the minimum of fuss and to try and give players a rest in the second half if possible.

To that end, backing the hosts to get among the goals in the first half could make sense.

Manchester City vs Watford tips & predictions

Over 1.5 goals in the first half is offered at 10/11 (1.91) and looks like an excellent option for this game, one which has paid out in five of City's last eight home league matches.