The advent of an increased gap in prize money, for eighth place compared to twelfth, has given this match between two long-safe, unmotivated teams some much-needed spice.
It was all very different ahead of this season’s reverse encounter. Back in November, Watford fans were still harbouring hopes of Europe, while Newcastle looked all but doomed. A 3-0 win for Watford at St James’ Park could be seen as Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez’s lowest ebb, but the Spaniard has proved able to utilise his experience to steer his side to safety.
Javi Gracia has faced Benitez once before, masterminding a 0-0 draw at the Bernabeu as Malaga manager back in September 2015. He will need more than that, however, if he is to arrest Watford’s recent slump, which has seen the Hornets sink to 18th in the five-game form table, with the second-lowest tally of goals in the league.
Defeat for Newcastle would represent a sour way to end a recent spell of admirable recovery. Not only would it be the team’s first run of three defeats since December, it would also be the club’s fifth in succession against Watford (in all competitions).
Players to watch: Troy Deeney remains the last man to have scored a winning goal for Watford, last doing so on March 3.
With a goal and an assist, Ayoze Perez was a huge influence in Newcastle’s last away win, 2-1 at Leicester. He has five goals in 33 appearances.
Stat attack: This is, in fact, the first time in the entire history of this fixture (dating back to February 1924) that Watford are seeking a fifth successive win over Newcastle. Watford’s overall record against Newcastle currently stands at a close: W13, D13, L15.
Expect goals – Watford are due to break their three-game goalless streak, and with four of the last five games against Newcastle (themselves without a clean sheet in four) seeing over 2.5 goals, and the defences on holiday, this could be a high-scoring affair.
line up:
Watford : Gomes, D. Janmaat, Y. Kaboul, M. Britos, S. Prodl, T. Cleverley, N. Chalobah, A. Doucoure, E. Capoue, Deulofeu, T. Deeney.
Newcastle : R. Elliot, C. Clark, Javi Manquillo, D. Yedlin, Jesus Gamez, M. Diame, I. Hayden, Mikel Merino, C. Atsu, I. Slimani, Joselu.
