“Be in the semifinals of the Championyes in the struggle by Premier it’s a pleasure”, confessed Pep Guardiola, but the Spanish coach has no choice but to take it with philosophy. The schedule has tightened for Manchester City, which before seeing each other faces with him real Madrid in the Champions League the leadership of the Premier League will have to be played against watfordwith Liverpool hovering around top spot, just one point lower in the standings (follow the match live on AS.com).
Led by the former English coach, the impassive Roy Hodgsonthe hornets they visit the Etihad Stadium after falling defeated in their last five games of the Premier, although Guardiola does not underestimate them. “Are very physical on top“, stressed the City coach, who is haunted by injuries, especially in defense.
Thus the things, the physiotherapists from Manchester thoroughly employed these days and the players of Guardiola’s team have had to receive 71 recovery treatments from the end of the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano. The accumulation of matches and competitions has made a dent in the mancunian template. They are the cases of John Stones Y Nathan Akewho were starters in the last games but who are expected to they will rest against Watford.
It does not come out of that list of casualties Kyle Walker, that still has not recovered of his ankle sprain against Atlético. The right side is a essential piece in the City scheme, and despite the fact that he is improving from his injury, he continues being doubt for him Going match against him Madridwhich could be reached without playing a minute beforehand, unless it is tested today against Watford.
The better news for City they are in the middle, where Kevin DeBruyne It is done fully recovered of his calf injury, for which he had to receive stitches, and will accompany Rodri and Bernardo Silva. There are more options, but the stroke citizen against Watford will be led by gabriel jesuswhich has gone unnoticed for most of the course, but has taken flight in this last part of the campaign. they will accompany you Mahrez and Fodenthe latter vital to eliminate Atleti and access the Champions League semifinals.
If City can’t win today tomorrow the Liverpool (hosts Everton at 5:30 p.m.) can take away the lead. Madrid appears in the background, but Pep’s team is forbidden to think about it if they want to add a new Premier League.