It’s FA Cup final day! Watford will do battle with the juggernaut that is Man City at Wembley Stadium this afternoon, and you’ll be able to tune in to the match in the highest possible quality if you watch it online. Our guide reveals all you need to know to watch Watford vs Man City online, including full live stream details and the kick-off time, plus all you need to know to watch the game in 4K HDR.
We all know who the favourites are. Man City boast what is arguably the best squad in world football, and they’re expected to cruise their way to their third domestic trophy of the season.
Read more: Best VPN
Watford have been in pretty awful form since securing their place in the final, but that could largely be down to players not wanting to injure themselves ahead of the Wembley showpiece. The last time the Hornets reached the FA Cup final was in 1984, under the stewardship of Graham Taylor.
They lost 2-0 to Everton on that occasion.
City have already beaten Watford twice this season, but the manner of Javi Gracia’s side’s semi-final victory over Wolves should fill them with confidence this time around. Their main problem will be getting hold of the ball.
Man City, of course, secured the Premier League title last weekend. Is there a danger some of their players may have clocked off for the summer already? You wouldn’t think so with Pep Guardiola in charge, but we’ll soon find out.
Watford vs Man City Live Stream: Kick-off time and how to watch
Watching the big game couldn’t be easier. It will be shown live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 3:55pm BST and kick-off scheduled for 5pm.
As well as catching the action on TV though, you can also tune in through BBC iPlayer − our recommended method − or BBC Sport, which you can access on your phone, tablet or laptop. So why are we recommending going down the iPlayer route? This way, you’ll be able to tune in in glorious 4K HDR!
Simply put, the picture should look way, way better (more on this further down the page).
There are, however, a few things you need to be aware of. First and foremost, you need a compatible 4K HDR TV. This BBC iPlayer help page has a list of compatible models. You also need a reliable internet connection. Hard-wired Ethernet is a better bet than Wi-Fi, but either way the BBC recommends at least 20Mbps.
You’ll need to be on the ball though – only “tens of thousands” of people will be able to tune into the BBC’s 4K HDR stream at time. So remotes at the ready, or you might miss out.
Better still, the BBC says you don’t even need a 4K HDR TV to see the benefits of its latest 4K HDR trial. Here’s why. And here are the quick-links you need to get started.
- BBC iPlayer | Web app
- BBC Sport App | Download for iOS
- BBC Sport App | Download for Android
What’s the big fuss about 4K HDR?
The BBC has run several 4K iPlayer trials in the past, and it showed last month’s Brighton vs Man City FA Cup semi-final in 4K HDR. Responses, however, were a little bit mixed, with some loving the picture quality, and others complaining about apparent issues with lag.
Here’s what viewers had to say about it:
Just tried streaming the @EmiratesFACup semi final in 4K UHD on the @BBC iPlayer, and I wasn’t impressed! I swear it’s not ready yet or even fibre optic isn’t fast enough; lots of lag & buffering, and it forces you to have HDR on (I prefer it off unless you have OLED) Back to 1HD
— Jonathan Deavs (@Y2JONAKERFELDT) April 6, 2019
On my Samsung, when I opened iPlayer it showed the match with a UHD icon. When I selected it I was given options of watching live in UHD, playing from start in HD or watching live in HD.
What model TV you got? It might not support HLG HDR or be an iPlayer UHD validated device.
— Chris Woods (@christopherw) April 6, 2019
Yeah for some reason on my telly when I use iPlayer I can’t change the hdr settings. I’ve got them all maxed out too. Dunno what it’s doing.
— Andy B (@venetiangambler) April 6, 2019
The UHD picture on @BBCiPlayer is spot on. What a difference using HLG makes Vs @SkyUK UHD (which doesn’t use HDR). So much more clarity. #UltraHD #MCIBHA #iPlayer #BBC @BBCSport @BBCRD
— Paul (@CTR_Paul) April 6, 2019
Cheeky bit of 4k football thanks to the beeb and iPlayer ? pic.twitter.com/lP35vKV3TN
— Simon Grey (@simonjgrey) April 6, 2019
@BBCiPlayer Watching the FA Cup semi in UHD on the iPlayer is amazing! This is the way forward ? #4k
— Matt (@MattGibbard) April 6, 2019
Anyone else having #iplayer 4K streaming probs on the #mcfc match??? thing won’t load
— P&A (@PAL6566) April 6, 2019
The FA Cup in 4K On #iplayer looks pretty damn amazing! #uhd pic.twitter.com/IPtCo421rw
— Jon | The Money Shed / Totally Blogging / CTMB (@themoneyshed) April 6, 2019
If you’ve got a 4K TV and are watching Man City vs Brighton, load up the iPlayer – they’re showing it in UHD and it looks immense.
— Kev (@moaningfacecunt) April 6, 2019
All that’s left do do is order in the prawn sandwiches, sit back, and enjoy what will hopefully be an excellent game.
Share your predictions for Watford vs Man City by tweeting us @TrustedReviews.