Manuel Pellegrini passed some important remarks about the physical side of Manchester city’s game following opening day adding that perhaps we could learn a lesson from that.

During that game if memory recalls Guardiola’s outfit committed 13 fouls to our six with Rodri a chief offender but Pellegrini’s point is well made.

And today the Irons need to demonstrate they are learning the lessons from that by toughening up their approach  whilst never deserting their creative and passing game.

City of course set the ultimate benchmark but it’s the standard to which we have to try to aspire.

And that’s just one reason why- assuming fitness –  I hope we see Mark Noble partnering Declan in midfield this afternoon.

Declan demonstrated at Brighton he wasn’t scared to take a yellow for the team when danger threatened in the second half and the captain has never been shy doing the necessary accompanied of course by the arms flung wide show of innocence.

We have again looked soft centred so far this season and with three key players missing from the Watford team we need to make life as tough as possible at Vicarage Road.

Together those two can perhaps bring the physicality we have yet to see from the team this season.

I hope too the boss  brings back Pablo Zabaleta because although he may be slowing down he looks a more stable defender than the erratic Fredericks.

And should the forecasts that both Anderson and Haller are fully fit the remainder of the team appears to pick itself.

My starting X1: Fabianski; Zaba, Diop, Balbuena, Masuaku; Rice, Noble; Fornals, Anderson, Lanzini; Haller.