Quique Sanchez Flores' Watford will host Manchester City at Vicarage Road on Saturday evening, for what will be both sides' first game of 2016.
We spoke to VAVEL UK's Manchester City editor Mosope Ominiyi to get his thoughts on what promises to be a lively encounter.
With not much between the teams at the top this season – and the inclusion of surprise package Leicester City – do you feel like the race for this year’s title could go down to the wire? Do you think you can win it?
The Premier League's been so unpredictable this term that yes, it could and probably will go down to the wire.
Disregard the league positions for the minute, as we're gradually ending the Christmas period, there are plenty of points to fight for - and the quality in depth that Manchester City possess, should be enough to see them over the line past the likes of Arsenal, who seem to always have a tendency for inconsistency themselves and Leicester City, whose fairytale story you'd expect to inevitably end at some point.
Who has impressed you the most so far from the Man City squad, particularly from such topsy-turvy season – and whose performances do you think need to improve?
Kevin de Bruyne has been excellent since his summer switch, and has really embraced the role of a key figure in an ever-improving City side. His stats speak for themselves, and the talented Belgian has been the focal point in attack with Sergio Agüero's absence unsurprisingly hurting the team's creativity in the final third. I think though, he can still get better. That's probably the most worrying thing for opposition teams - he needs to play in a more central role, as opposed to being deployed on either wing.
Fernandinho is one of the unsung heroes within the side, who has consistently been doing the job asked of him, to a very high standard too. Protecting the backline, he makes plenty of interceptions and important tackles in a game - it helps to alleviate pressure on his more attack-minded teammates, who don't fully neglect their defensive duties but most admittedly don't enjoy them either.
With rumours of Pep Guardiola circling and waiting for Manuel Pellegrini’s job, do you think the players and manager could become distracted?
A very good question, that. For me, Pep Guardiola is one of, if not the best manager in the world. Rumours will inevitably continue, but it's imperative that both the team and Manuel Pellegrini himself focus on the job at hand - winning silverware and regaining the Premier League crown.
After all, they're paid as professional footballers and need to focus on their task, not thinking too far ahead. Pellegrini's done a good job in the media recently, trying to quash the speculation. Think as though you're in his position - having signed a contract extension, there are still questions over your future.
What have you made of Watford this season and where do you think they can finish in the league table?
Watford have been excellent this term! They've really asserted themselves as a credible side eager to prove themselves as more than just a newly-promoted side, and the dynamic duo of Deeney-Ighalo is certainly proving a handful for defences to contend with. Vicarage Road is a fortress and I've been impressed by Nathan Aké's progress too - plenty of positives. The only question is, can they maintain consistency going into the New Year? I hope they can.
In terms of a league finish, I can realistically see them in the mix between eighth and 10th, around the likes of Stoke City and Southampton.
Who do you consider as the biggest Watford threat to Man City’s chances of taking away all three points in this fixture?
As previously mentioned, it's got to be the attacking duo of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo. One of the best things in their partnership is that, both are tireless workers and have plenty of energy. Both are built like tanks, especially Deeney - who can drop into a deep midfield role and act as the prime assist king, or alternatively net goals for himself too.
Having watched them against Tottenham Hotspur, it was evident that the visitors were eager to reduce their impact on the game. They did relatively well to try and isolate both, but not for long. One spark later and Ighalo wheeled away, celebrating a well-taken equaliser. They hit you so quickly, you struggle to react as they counter with speed and power.
With Watford so hard to break down this season – and having one of the best defensive records in the league – do you think it will be a case of Pellegrini’s players having to find a breakthrough and remaining patient?
Of course, City have to be patient. But given their goalscoring form of late, I'm not sure if they can remain firm for prolonged periods with an even scoreline. It'll also be intriguing to see how they cope if they go a goal behind, because like their struggles against West Ham at home, the pressure can often overwhelm the City players into making needless mistakes and firing wide with chances you'd normally expect them to take. Away from home too, the atmosphere and crowd aren't going to be on their side - how will they deal with it? Plenty of questions that need answering from the title favourites.
Finally, what is your score prediction for the game?
Oooh, that's a tough one. If the hosts start well and soak up pressure, like they did against Liverpool, they will definitely prevail - perhaps a slender victory. I'll go for a 2-2 draw though, because this game promises to be a fast-paced, energetic one.
