Manchester City survive late scare against Watford

Relive all the action from Manchester City's visit to Watford

Manchester City 2018/19 Premier League profile

Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points with a 2-1 win at Watford thanks to the magic of Riyad Mahrez on Tuesday.

The home side had kept City at bay for most of the first half but Ben Foster's goal was finally breached five minutes before the break when a cross from Algerian Mahrez was edged past the goalkeeper by the chest of Leroy Sane.

Mahrez scored himself shortly after halftime by firing in with his devastating left foot from the middle of the area.

City were easing to another victory when Abdoulaye Doucoure bundled the ball home after a goal-line scramble five minutes from time to give Pep Guardiola's side a nervy finish.

Watford, who have not won since October, pressed in vain for an equaliser as they suffered their third successive defeat.

Reuters

Relive all the action below

What time does it start?

Watford vs Manchester City kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday 4 December.

Where can I watch?

Watford vs Manchester City will be shown live on BT Sport 1. Subscribers can also stream the game online or via the BT Sport App.

Highlights will be shown on Wednesday at 22:45 on BBC One.

Player to watch

City have scored a huge amount more than any other team in the league, but their conviction at the other end of the field has been criminally unsung. At the heart of this is Aymeric Laporte. The Frenchman distributes the ball exceptionally well- he’s behind only Jorginho for completed passes. Without the ball his aggressive defending on the front foot has denied forwards space and helped City stay high up the pitch. As long as he isn’t rested, Laporte looks set to continue his imperious vain of form.

Form guide

Watford: WLDLL

Manchester City: WWWWW

Odds

Watford: 9/1

Draw: 9/2

Manchester City: 2/

[4 December 2018 17:23 · Jack Watson]

Welcome!

Good evening and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of tonight's Premier League football.

We'll be bringing you live coverage of Watford vs Manchester City, West Ham vs Cardiff, Bournemouth vs Huddersfield and the big derby...Brighton vs Crystal Palace.

[4 December 2018 17:24 · Jack Watson]

Last call 

You have just enough time to make those last-minute alterations to your side before the team news drops around 6:45pm

[4 December 2018 18:45 · Michael Jones]

Team news 

West Ham vs Cardiff

[4 December 2018 18:47 · Michael Jones]

Team news 

Bournemouth vs Huddersfield

[4 December 2018 18:48 · Michael Jones]

Team news

Brighton vs Crystal Palace

[4 December 2018 18:57 · Michael Jones]

Team news 

Bournemouth vs Huddersfield

Bournemouth make two changes from the side that stood up to, but ultimately were undone by Manchester City at the weekend.

Jefferson Lerma had a one-match suspension but joins David Brooks in midfield. Andrew Surman and Tyrone Mings drop to the bench.

As for Huddersfield they make one change from the side that lost to Brighton. The Terriers appeal against Steve Mounie's red card was dismissed Laurent Depoitre comes in.

[4 December 2018 19:03 · Michael Jones]

Team news

Brighton vs Crystal Palace

Brighton make two changes from the team that beat Huddersfield at the weekend. Bruno who was injured in that game is out and Florin Andone drops to the bench. Glenn Murray and right-back Martin Montoya take their places. 

Crystal Palace make no changes form the team that started in the 2-0 win over Burnley at the weekend. 

[4 December 2018 19:07 · Michael Jones]

Team news 

West Ham vs Cardiff

West Ham make three changes to the side that won 3-0 at Newcastle on Saturday.

Aaron Cresswell and Fabian Balbuena are injured though Balbuena is on the bench. Pablo Zabaleta is also out as Michail Antonio, Arthur Masuaku and Angelo Ogbonna come into the side.

Cardiff make just one change from Friday night's team that beat Wolves. Joe Bennett comes in for Josh Murphy.

[4 December 2018 19:08 · Michael Jones]

Team news 

Watford vs Man City (8pm kick off)

[4 December 2018 19:19 · Michael Jones]

Team news

Watford vs Manchester City

Watford make three changes from their weekend defeat to Leicester.

Etienne Capoue, Gerard Deulofeu and Adrian Mariappa drop out as captain Troy Deeney, defender Christian Kabasele and England midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah come in.

Pep Guardiola makes six changes to Manchester City's starting line-up.

Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan are on the bench with Riyad Mahrez and David Silva returning to the starting line-up for the pair.

Kyle Walker, Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Fabian Delph come in as Guardiola elects for a completely different back four from Saturday's win over Bournemouth. 

Sergio Aguero is not in the squad as he is still injured.