Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised Watford coach Javi Gracia and said the Hornets have "everything" ahead of this weekend's match.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager said he is expecting a tough encounter at the Etihad on Saturday evening and described the job Gracia has done as "incredible". 

He said: "They have everything, incredibly organised, the manager is incredible, what he's done. They have physicality, quality one on one, they are strong in the air, well organised. They have a lot of points.

"It's the last game for 21 days in the Premier League, before the international break. Everything is closer, in terms of fewer games.

"It's massively important at home to take our points."

Guardiola, who has been named the February's manager of the month after City won all four of their Premier League fixtures, will be without a number of key players for the game against the Hornets, with John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho all set to miss out.

City could be boosted by the return of Aymeric Laporte but a decision will be taken closer to kick off.

The City boss said that he would have no qualms playing younger players in the match, after they impressed in earlier games this season.

He said: "We have other options but we also have the second team.

"A few played in the Carabao Cup so we would play them of course."