LONDON • There are only three teams who are still unbeaten going into the fifth round of Premier League matches this weekend, and two of them are set to face each other today.
Manchester City will travel to Vicarage Road to meet Watford and City manager Pep Guardiola showered praise on his opposite number Marco Silva in his pre-match press conference yesterday.
"Watford are just two points behind us. They made an amazing start," said Guardiola.
"He (Silva) hasn't lost one game. I was really impressed with their performance at Southampton last week where they dominated the first half.
"They are a physical team with fast players, and a good manager."
The other unbeaten team so far are City's rivals Manchester United, who host Everton tomorrow on Wayne Rooney's return to Old Trafford.
This means that City, who are joint top with United on 10 points in the table but trail on goal difference, could go three points clear at least until the game at Old Trafford.
Guardiola, however, admits that it would not be an easy task because fatigue will play a part following their midweek trip to Rotterdam, where they defeated Feyenoord 4-0 in the Champions League.
"It will be a demanding game, especially after just three days and the travelling but we have to handle the situation," the Spaniard said.
Captain Vincent Kompany returned to training yesterday after missing City's previous two games with an injury.
But he is unlikely to play a part against Watford.
"Vinny came back today and trained with us. I think in the next days he will be able to play again," added Guardiola.
City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne believes that the team are able to maintain their high standards on the pitch because of the intense competition for places.
And he insisted there would be no let-up against the Hornets today because there are always other players pushing to take a member of the starting side's place.
"We know how much quality we have," said the 26-year-old Belgium international. We are all aware that there will be times when we have to spend a couple of games on the bench because the guys that aren't playing are at the same level and are always ready to step in.
"It's a great situation for the club and of course, we have a very busy schedule ahead of us so we'll all play a part at some stage.
"Competition is strong."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
WATFORD V MAN CITY
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