Pep Guardiola hopes fellow Spaniard Javi Gracia can remain at the Watford helm for a “long time”.

Gracia signed a new four-and-a-half year deal, with the option to extend it by a further three, last week and the Manchester City boss believes the move will help bring stability to the Hornets.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Vicarage Road, Guardiola said: “Watford have some continuity around the same project, same ideas and same manager. It gives some stability to the club. Hopefully he goes well and he can stay a long time there."

The unbeaten Premier League leaders visit the Hornets having dropped only four points this season but it is not known whether Sergio Aguero will be fit to lead the line for the champions.

The Argentine striker was not risked in Saturday’s victory over Bournemouth due to a muscular problem and will have a fitness test ahead of tomorrow night’s game.

Replacement left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, who suffered a bloodied nose at the weekend, will also be checked.

The game is too soon for playmaker Kevin De Bruyne (knee) while left-back Benjamin Mendy (knee) and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo (Achilles) are out.

Provisional squad: Ederson, Muric, Walker, Danilo, Stones, Otamendi, Laporte, Kompany, Zinchenko, Delph, Gundogan, Fernandinho, D Silva, B Silva, Sterling, Sane, Mahrez, Foden, Diaz, Aguero, Jesus.