Manchester City and Watford are popular football teams. They have a history of amazing matches against each other. The matches were filled with memorable moments and strong performances.
Both teams are strong and the favorite of football fans. They played against in the Carabao Cup again in September 2024. In this game, Manchester City played amazingly with a strong squad.
While Watford played with the spirit and determination. Fans enjoyed the thrilling match that showed that both teams were the best.
Historical Background
Manchester City and Watford have played against several times. But in recent games, Manchester City has become a stronger team. Watford has tried hard to play against the strong teams. Manchester is too strong now with skilled coach Pep Guardiola.
The historical game between them was the 2019 FA Cup Final. Manchester City won against Watford by 6-0 and got the title. This match was the best one-sided final in FA Cup history. It showed how much Manchester was strong at that time.
Many fans still remember that game as a historical moment in their rivalry.
Rivalry Between Manchester City & Watford
The rivalry between Manchester City and Watford is enjoyable for fans. They play amazingly against each other. This rivalry began in the 2019 FA Cup Final, where Manchester won a sided final match.
Both the teams are exciting for fans. Manchester has great players and Watford works hard and never gives up against any strong team. This made the competition more exciting between the two teams.
Back-to-Back Records
Manchester City and Watford have a big history of rivalry games. But Manchester City have won most of their games against Watford.
Head-to-Head Statistics: Manchester City is continuously winning in the last 16 in all competitions. Their winning streak began in 2015 and is still going strong. Some details are given below:
- Total Matches Played: 35
- Manchester City Wins: 24
- Watford Wins: 6
- Draws: 5
Biggest Victory: Manchester City win by 8-0 against Watford in the Premier League 2019. That was the biggest victory for Manchester.
Winning Streak: Manchester City has won twelve games continuously against Watford. They scored more than fifty goals in these games.
Key Matches in Rivalry
Manchester City and Watford have played some memorable games. Here are three historical games between them:
FA Cup Final 2019
This game was a major moment in their competition. Manchester City played and won the one-sided game. Players of Manchester like Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick. Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus and David Silva also scored.
Premier League 2019
Another best game was played in the Premier League. Where Manchester City was very strong for Watford. Bernardo Silva scored a hat-trick. City scored five goals in just the first twenty minutes of the game.
Carabao Cup 2024
In their recent game, Manchester City defeated Watford. Watford was playing better than in previous games. This game will also be remembered for its unforgettable moments.
Injury & Team News in Carabao Cup
Both teams had injury issues and missing players before the match. These issues affected their Starting Lineups.
Manchester City Issues
Rodri: They main midfielder was injured and could not play. So the coach had to make changes in the midfield.
Erling Haaland: The main striker was absent from the game for personal issues. Then Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden took responsibility for the attack.
Kevin De Bruyne: He is recovering from a long-term injury. So Manchester City depended on the players to play smartly in the midfield.
Watford Team issues
Craig Cathcart: The key and experienced defender was unavailable in the match. It made the Watford defense weak.
Joao Pedro: Watford missed their main attacker, who could have added more strength to their attacks.
Manchester City’s Key Players in Carabao Cup
| Player | Key Contributions |
| Jeremy Doku | Showed amazing speed and skills, scored the opening goal, and created chances. |
| Matheus Nunes | Best for the midfield, scored the second goal and proved his value. |
| Phil Foden | Displayed creativity and vision, linked the midfield and attack, and provided key passes. |
| Rico Lewis | Demonstrated maturity, contributing defensively and offensively. |
Watford’s Key Players in Carabao Cup
| Player | Key Contributions |
| Tom Ince | Scored Watford’s only goal, and led counterattacks with energy and determination. |
| Vakoun Bayo | Consistently threatened City’s defense with his attacking efforts. |
| Ismael Kone | Played a vital role in breaking up City’s attacks and distributing the ball effectively. |
| Daniel Bachmann | Made many saves to keep Watford in the game. |
Key Moments of the Match (Carabao Cup: Manchester City vs Watford)
There are many memorable moments in the Carabao Cup. Some of them are given below:
1. Jeremy Doku’s Early Gaol
When the game began, Jeremy Doku scored a goal in the beginning. He confused the opposite team’s defenders and put the ball into the net. That was the first goal of Manchester City.
2. Matheus Nunes Goal
Matheus Nunes scored another goal for Manchester before halftime. After some fast passing, he found an opportunity and twisted the ball in the corner of the goal.
3. Watford Get One Back
Watford get one goal in the second half. Tom Ince scored a goal after receiving a cross from Yaser Asprilla. The score was 2-1 at that time.
4. Stefan Ortega’s Important Save
Near the end of the match, Watford almost scored. Vakoun Bayo’s strong header was heading for goal. But the Manchester goal keeper made an outstanding save and led to a win.
Manchester won the game and score was 2-1. In which Manchester got 2 goal and Watford got 1.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Manchester City and Watford has created several memorable moments for fans. Manchester’s strength and Watford’s spirit make the games more exciting. This rivalry is full of passion and sportsmanship. The football fans are always excited for their next match with each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Manchester City’s stats against Watford?
- Total Matches Played: 35
- Manchester City Wins: 24
- Watford Wins: 6
- Draws: 5
What are the Manchester City’s Lineups against Watford?
| Position | Manchester City XI | Watford XI |
| Goalkeeper | Stefan Ortega | Jonathan Bond |
| Defenders | Rico Lewis, John Stones, Kian Breckin, Kyle Walker | James Morris, Mattie Pollock, Ryan Porteous |
| Midfielders | Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly, James McAtee | Yaser Larouci, Tom Ince, Imran Louza, Ken Sema |
| Forwards | Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden | Kwadwo Baah, Vakoun Bayo, Festy Ebosele |
What was the recent match between Manchester City vs Watford team?
Manchester City defeated Watford in the Carabao Cup. It was a veritably tough fight, Watford was playing better than in former games.