Sports Mole looks at how Premier League leaders Manchester City could line up against Watford as Pep Guardiola contends with the absences of some key players.

The next chapter of the thrilling 2018-19 Premier League title race takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday as Manchester City host Watford knowing that victory would take them four points clear at the top.

With Liverpool not in action until Sunday, the champions have the chance to steal a march on their chief challengers by recording a sixth straight league win as the end of the campaign begins to come into view.

The quadruple-chasers have had the rare treat of a week off since their last match, although Pep Guardiola must still contend with injuries to some key players.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how he could set his side up for the contest.

Out: Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), Fernandinho (groin), Aymeric Laporte (muscle), Claudio Bravo (Achilles)
Doubtful: John Stones (muscle), Fabian Delph (ankle)

> Click here for Man City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte are both unlikely to feature before the international break, while Kevin De Bruyne is also struggling with a hamstring injury, leaving Guardiola needing to call on some his enviable strength in depth.

Trusted forward Bernardo Silva is likely to drop back into a midfield three alongside Ilkay Gundogan and David Silva, which could in turn pave the way for Leroy Sane to return up front - although Riyad Mahrez may also be hopeful of a start having scored the winner last time out.

Fabian Delph is expected to be available, but Oleksandr Zinchenko has impressed in recent weeks and so should retain his spot at left-back, while Vincent Kompany may be needed at the heart of the defence if John Stones fails to recover from his muscle problem.

Premier League top-scorer Sergio Aguero will lead the line having netted 10 times in just six previous appearances against Watford - his best strike ratio against any club.