Manchester City play host to relegation-threatened Watford on Saturday afternoon, with both teams needing a win to achieve their respective goals for the season.

Liverpool’s form has piled the pressure on Man City to win every remaining game, while Watford’s relegation back down to the Championship will all-but be confirmed if they continue to miss out on points as they lose ground on Everton and Burnley who have both found some late-season inspiration.

Guardiola’s side bounced back from their FA Cup semi-final heartache with a crucial victory over Brighton in midweek to avoid a potential stumbling block against a team fresh from beating both Arsenal and Tottenham in recent games.

Goals from Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva secured all three points, while City were boosted by the return of Ruben Dias, who appeared off the bench and could start against Watford.

Kyle Walker remains out and both John Stones and Nathan Ake suffered minor injuries against Brighton so the options in defence are limited.

Next week’s Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid will no doubt be on Guardiola’s mind so he may choose to rest a few key players in order to ensure they’re fully fit for the visit of Los Blancos.

Squad rotation cost his side against Liverpool in the FA Cup, but he’ll be confident that a second string side can overcome a Watford team with only two wins since November.

The likes of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden could all be rested, with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus recalled. Jack Grealish may also start, while Guardiola will also be able to call on youngster Cole Palmer who marked his return to the squad against Brighton following a lengthy absence. His last appearance came in the cup victory over Swindon Town back in January.

Potential Man City Starting XI vs Watford