Relegation battling Watford look to take another step towards safety as they host Newcastle United at Vicarage Road.
Watford can move six points clear of relegation with a win whilst Newcastle could climb to eleventh with victory.
Team News
Embed from Getty ImagesWatford have no fresh injury concerns as Isaac Success (Achilles), Gerard Deulofeu and Daryl Janmaat (both knee) remain sidelined.
Newcastle could have Allan Saint-Maximin available if the French winger passes a late fitness test.
Jamaal Lascelles (ankle) and Emil Krafth (knock) will also be subject to late fitness checks, as Sean Longstaff, Isaac Hayden (both hamstring), Ciaran Clark (ankle), Florian Lejeune (fitness) and Andy Carroll (groin) all miss out.
Stat Attack
- Watford have lost just one of their last five meetings against Newcastle across all competitions (W2, D2, L1).
- Newcastle are winless in their last four trips to Vicarage Road in all competitions, despite scoring in each of their last three league visits (D1, L3)
- Just one of Watford’s last four goals against Newcastle have come in the first half, courtesy of a second minute from Will Hughes in August 2019 away at Newcastle.
- No Watford player has played more passes this season than Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has made 1,528 passes in 33 appearances.
- Only four Newcastle players have scored in consecutive games this season (Ciaran Clark, Jonjo Shelvey, Allan Saint-Maximin and Dwight Gayle).
Prediction
Watford showed great teamwork to fight back from an early conceded goal in midweek and defeat Norwich, which stands them in great stead coming into this match against an inconsistent Newcastle team who were dire at Manchester City.
First goal therefore will be key because if Newcastle get it then I can see either a runaway win or draw, whereas if Watford score early then this could be a home win if they can hold out.
Prediction: Watford 1-0 Newcastle United
Result: Watford 2-1 Newcastle United