Our prediction for this EFL Cup match:
After sharing the spoils with Arsenal, Manchester City will look to return to winning ways when they face Watford in the EFL Cup last 32. The Citizens showed character in the Premier League derby, with substitute John Stones scoring a late equalizer and, no doubt, this goal gave Pep Guardiola’s men an additional confidence boost. The towering defender should be recalled to the starting XI, while midfielder Rodri is unlikely to be risked after limping off with injury against Arsenal.
All Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Mateo Kovacic should be recalled to the starting XI as well, while Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb remain in the recovery room. The Hornets, on the other hand, struggled defensively in a 4-1 loss to Norwich City and given their 16-game losing run in meetings with Man City, anything but a routine home victory would be a big surprise. Both Francisco Sierralta and Daniel Bachmann are injured for the visiting team.
Highlighted Player (Mateo Kovacic):
Born to Croatian parents in Linz, Austria, Mateo Kovacic spent seven years in the LASK Linz youth academy before joining Dinamo Zagreb, where he showed a great deal of potential shortly after being promoted to the senior squad.
The good return of 7 goals in 43 league appearances saw him secure a high-profile move to Inter Milan, where he acted as both holding midfielder and attacking midfielder, during the three years at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. And despite not exactly impressing in Italy, Kovacic was purchased by mighty Real Madrid, where he has been ever since. The youngster is widely regarded as one of Croatia’s most talented footballers at the moment and he has represented the country on international stage since the age of 19.
In just three years he managed to make over 25 appearances for the national team, playing at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 finals for Vatreni. Kovavic has yet to be given a real chance to impress at Real Madrid, but he has entire future ahead of him.
Highlighted Team (Watford):
Watford FC is an English football club founded in 1881 and is playing its home games in the Vicarage Road which holds a capacity of 21 000 seats. Watford managed to promote to the Premier League in 2014/2015 after playing for 8 years in lower football divisions.
The club colors of Watford are yellow and red. The away kit of Watford in the current season is in blue. Watford FC is also known as The Hornets of which their fans are very proud of.
Watford FC never won any title in the clubs history. In the season 1983/1984 Watford managed to qualify for the UEFA Cup (former Europa League) where the club got knocked out in the best of 16 round after playing against Sparta Praha. Watford FC is a stereotype UK football club where working hard is more important than talent. Well known football players that ever played for Watford FC are Ben Foster, John Barnes, Ashley Young, Luke Young and David James.