Everton travel to London to take on Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon. Everton’s dismal league season continued as they slumped to their 3rd consecutive league loss after a disappointing 1-0 loss against Man Utd, a result which left them sitting in 12th. After a bright start to their return to the top flight, the Hornets have really struggled since the turn of the new year and their poor form continued with a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Arsenal, their 4th consecutive loss on the trot, however they do sit 10pts above the relegation zone and are all but certainties to remain in the Premier League for next season. With the league season winding down, both sides focus will be firmly squared on the FA Cup semi-finals later this month.
Watford Team News:
There are no injury concerns whatsoever for the Hornets with Sanchez having the entire squad to choose from ahead of the Everton game.
Possible Starting XI: Gomes, Nyom, Prodl, Cathcart, Ake, Abgi, Watson, Suarez, Capoue, Ighalo, Deeney
Player to watch: Troy Deeney
Everton defenders have really struggled this season, especially against overly physical strikers, and that fits Troy Deeney ‘s description to a tee. The Englishman, who helped fire the Hornets into the Premier League, has enjoyed a pretty successful first season in the top flight, and will be looking to add to his tally against Everton
Everton Team News:
Everton regain the services of Gareth Barry who completed his two game suspension, and with his return Martinez should have a near full strength side to pick from. Although saying that, they will be without long terms absentees Hibbert and Browning, as well as Osman and Pienaar
Possible Starting XI: Robles, Coleman, Baines, Stones, Jagielka, Barry, McCarthy, Barkley, Lennon, Deulofeu, Lukaku
Player to watch: Romelu Lukaku
The big Belgian will be hoping to finish the season strong and look to add to his 18 goals this season. Lukaku has all the attributes needed to be a top class centre forward and this season he has put it all together to prove the lone bright light for Everton’s season.
Match Facts & Stats
1. Watford did win in the first ever meeting between the two sides, although after that they have not managed to beat Everton in 20 attempts. The lone win came back in March of 1987 courtesy of a 1-0 win.
2. Watford has only managed 8 points in 2016, with only Crystal Palace the only side to register less points (3)
3. Everton have lost their last 3 league games and have failed to score in their last 2. The last time they had failed to score in 3 consecutive league games came back in April of 2006
4. Everton have only lost twice away from home this season, which is tied lowest alongside Spurs and Leicester.
5. Watford have only managed one goal in their last five league games.
Match Prediction:
It is a meeting of two teams who are badly out of form, seems like both teams have their eyes firmly set on Wembley, which means this game, in terms of league importance pales in comparison. Think it will be a pretty dull affair ending 1-1. COYB!! FINISH THE SEASON STRONG