Manchester City will be without two of their star names for tomorrow’s FA Cup tie against Watford – and boss Manuel Pellegrini is "expecting a difficult game”

As expected, the City manager has confirmed that striker Alvaro Negredo will be absent after sustaining a shoulder injury in the second leg of the 9-0 aggregate demolition of West Ham United that set up a Capital One Cup final date with Sunderland at Wembley.

Pellegrini has also revealed midfielder David Silva “will be rested against Watford” due to a “slight hamstring strain”.

Ominously though perhaps, Pellegrini said he has no intention of moving away from the attacking style that has so far brought City a staggering 106 goals in all competitions so far this season.

The manager told City’s website: “We try to continue to play our attacking style throughout the season. There may be games we don’t score so many goals but we won’t be changing our style and will continue our philosophy.

“Watford may not be having a great season in the Championship but they will be motivated when they play us because this is the FA Cup and they will want to beat a Premier League side.

“We are expecting a difficult game but we want to progress in this competition.”