Preview: Manchester City vs. Watford

Manchester City begin their FA Cup campaign with a third-round tie against Championship side Watford this weekend.

The Premier League winners head into the fixture seven points adrift of leaders Manchester United in the league table but will be buoyed by their 3-0 win over Stoke City on New Year's Day.

Meanwhile, Watford currently sit in a playoff place in the Championship table and they are likely to be at full strength as they try to overcome City in order to keep their spot in the domestic competition.

City boss Roberto Mancini may leave out striker Mario Balotelli from the squad after it emerged that the Italian reportedly reacted angrily to a tackle made by Balotelli on Scott Sinclair today.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart could be rested for the encounter, while Alex Geijo and Fernando Forestieri may lead the line for the Hornets.

Recent form

Man City: WWLWW

Watford: LDWWL

Possible starting lineups

Man City: Pantilimon; Kolarov, Lescott, K Toure, Nastasic, Milner, Barry, Razak, Sinclair; Tevez, Dzeko

Watford: Almunia; Neuton, Cassetti, Hoban, Chalobah; Ekstrand, Murray, Pudil, Abdi; Geijo, Forestieri

Sports Mole says: 3-0