Watford look to continue their bid for Premier League survival as Roy Hodgson’s Hornets welcome Brighton to Vicarage Road.
Victory would see Watford climb out of the relegation zone for at least a few hours, whereas Brighton will stay ninth with a win.
Team News
Ismaila Sarr is set to be in contention for Watford after returning from international duty at 2022 Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal.
Rob Elliott (knock), Kwadwo Baah (ankle) and Peter Etebo (quad) are also expected to be available for selection but Nicolas N’Koulou (hamstring) remains absent.
Brighton could welcome Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Trossard back from illness.
Enock Mwepu and Jeremy Sarmiento (both hamstring) remain ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Watford have won just one of their last seven meetings against Brighton (W1, D3, L3).
- Brighton have won just one of their last five visits to Watford (W1, D2, L2).
- Neal Maupay has scored in two of his three Brighton appearances against Watford.
- No Watford player has produced more blocks than Craig Cathcart in the Premier League this season, with the Northern Ireland international having made 21 blocks in 19 appearances.
- No Brighton player has committed more fouls in the Premier League this season than Solly March, who had produced 19 fouls in 18 appearances.
Prediction
Roy Hodgson will be encouraged by Watford’s improved defensive performances in the last week because they have been tighter and more disciplined, yet this is a huge opportunity to get home fans onside with a strong display and more attacking.
Brighton meanwhile had the rare luxury of not playing in midweek but Graham Potter surely will want a reaction from his Seagulls, following a weak effort in their FA Cup exit at Tottenham last weekend where they were just outplayed with defensive errors.
I however am confident that Brighton will be able to hit back here with a stronger attacking display now Trossard and Mac Allister are available again, although Watford will certainly make this a difficult contest compared what many would of thought a month ago.
Prediction: Watford 1-1 Brighton
Result: Watford 0-2 Brighton