2019-20 FA Cup: Third Round Replays – Thursday

Tranmere Rovers welcome Watford to Prenton Park to settle the final spot in this season’s FA Cup Fourth Round, with a home tie against Manchester United on Sunday up for grabs. 

The original tie saw Watford blow a three goal lead to eventually draw 3-3 whilst their first replay attempt was rained off, so both teams will be hoping to get this tie completed to avoid further fixture pileups. 

 

Team news

Embed from Getty Images

Ollie Banks is ruled out for Tranmere after pulling his quad against Ipswich at the weekend, in what was his first appearance after a three month injury lay-off. 

Mark Ellis and Evan Gumbs are also ruled out whilst Calum Woods is a doubt as he continues to regain full match fitness, having been sidelined with an unspecified injury in recent weeks. 

Watford manager – Nigel Pearson will ring the changes as his Hornets face their second match within 48 hours, with Troy Deeney and Gerard Deulofeu amongst those expected to be rested ahead of a possible home clash against Man Utd on Sunday.

Danny Welbeck could be involved after missing the last three months with a thigh injury, whilst Nathaniel Chalobah is doubtful with a hip injury. 

Kiko Femenia, Ismaila Sarr (both hamstring), Sebastian Prodl (calf), Daryl Janmaat (knee), Will Hughes (hip) and Tom Cleverley (heel) are all ruled out. 

 

Stat Attack

• Tranmere have met Watford just once before in the FA Cup, drawing 3-3 earlier this month which is their only previous clash in all domestic Cup competitions. 
• Watford have won one of their last five matches against Tranmere in all competitions (W1, D2, L2).
• Tranmere have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight home games against Watford in all competitions (W5, D2, L1).

 

Prediction

After suffering a cruel injury-time defeat at Aston Villa on Tuesday, Watford need a good performance here to quickly reinstall any lost confidence and particularly ahead of Sunday if they do get the win in this replay.

Tranmere however have had since Saturday evening to prepare for this game so should be up for this, although Watford will be tough opposition if Welbeck plus various fringe players like Domingos Quina and Isaac Success start. 

I therefore can see this being a scrappy game given the poor pitch quality at Prenton Park, although Watford should eventually have enough to see off Tranmere late on if Deeney or Deulofeu comes on as a substitute. 

Prediction: Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Watford

Result: Tranmere Rovers 2-1 Watford (AET)