Rock-bottom Watford welcome Sheffield United to Vicarage Road in an important Premier League clash for the Hornets.
With just two points on the board, Watford need a win here if they’re to keep pace with those just above them whilst Sheffield United look to climb into the top ten with victory.
Team news
Will Hughes and Isaac Success are set to return for Watford after recovering from a respective knock and groin injury.
Troy Deeney is their only absentee as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
Sheffield United welcome back Billy Sharp from a three match ban whilst David McGoldrick is their only absentee as the Irish international remains sidelined with a groin injury.
Form
Watford have taken just two points from their opening seven league games, although their three home goals mean that they have averaged just one goal in their three home league games despite not scoring on the opening weekend against Brighton.
Sheffield United have taken just four points from their last five but are yet to suffer consecutive league defeats this season unlike their two fellow promoted rivals – Norwich and Aston Villa.
Stat Attack
- Both teams have taken three wins each from their last six league meetings, although Watford have won the recent three.
- Watford’s last two home wins over the Blades were by 3-0 results.
- Troy Deeney is the only Watford player from their last meeting with United to still play for the Hornets, whilst no Sheffield United player still features for their club.
- John Egan has made 27 headed clearances for Sheffield United in their opening seven games, more than any other player in the top flight.
- Ben Foster has already conceded 20 goals for Watford this season, having conceded just eight goals in their opening seven games last season.
Prediction
This match has come at a good time for Watford who are desperate for their first league win of the season, and it could very well come here given their recent record over Sheffield United.
I won’t be the first to say this but Watford seem to lack their attacking spark from last season, which could be key here because I personally feel that both teams are evenly matched at the back but the Blades currently have the firepower that Watford lack.
This should therefore be an interesting encounter between two solid teams but both have evolved since their last meeting in 2011, and its the Blades who look the best placed to edge this battle.
Prediction: Watford 1-2 Sheffield United
Result: Watford 0-0 Sheffield United
Leave a Reply