Tottenham Hotspur will have their chance to move towards sealing a top-four place with a win over Watford on Monday night and end Chelsea’s hope of catching them.
Tottenham Hotspur will look to leave behind their disappointing exit from the FA Cup against Manchester United as they face Watford in the Premier League on Monday night. A win against the Hornets could be a positive step towards securing a top-four place, leaving Chelsea with little chance to catch them cold and leapfrog in the standings.
The defeat against Manchester United killed all hopes of a trophy for Tottenham this season, a run which is into its 11th season, but securing a Champions League spot still is high on Mauricio Pochettino’s priorities. Pochettino’s future took the forefront after the FA Cup semi-finals, but he has again hinted his desire to stay put for next season.
Watford, on the other hand, are not yet safe from relegation but are well placed in 12th on the Premier League table, but they too will be looking to solidifying their position with a result against Spurs. Watford have silently been impressive under Javi Gracia and were impressive in their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace the last time out.
Team News & Tactics
Tottenham Hotspur
Mauricio Pochettino will have decisions to make regarding team selection. His team’s recent dismal results will likely prompt changes. His first likely change will be between the post as Hugo Lloris is back into contention. He could replace Michael Vorm in goal who started the defeat against Manchester United at Wembley.
Harry Kane has been rusty since his return from an ankle injury and is yet to hit top form. Pochettino could, however, place him on the bench and allow him further recovery time, although he could, however, start their top scorer against Watford.
Danny Rose, who has missed Spurs’ last three games due to calf injury has returned to training, but he is still believed to be short of match fitness, meaning Ben Davies should continue at left-back. Pochettino will make a late decision over the right-back slot, where he has both Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier available for contention.
Harry Winks is the final returnee from injury, who went to Qatar for rehabilitation a few weeks back. Overall, it looks like Pochettino has a full-strength squad at his disposal to face Watford.
Probable Starting-XI (4-2-3-1) – Lloris; Trippier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Dembele; Eriksen, Alli, Son; Kane
Watford
Watford has had one of the most extensive lists regarding injuries this season. Against Crystal Palace, another member, their captain and influential striker Troy Deeney got added, and he will certainly miss the remainder of the season. It adds to Javi Gracia’s worries ahead of the Spurs clash.
There could be further doubts about Gerard Deulofeu and Tom Cleverley’s participation as both players are nursing their respective problems. Deulofeu is, however, the most likely of the duo to return as he returned to training after a throat infection.
Heurelho Gomes is another probable absentee, while forward Richarlison could yet represent Watford against Spurs. Nathaniel Chabolah is back in the squad while Roberto Pereyra could also feature. Younes Kaboul, however, remains out.
Probable Starting-XI (4-2-3-1) – Karnezis; Janmaat, Kabasele, Mariappa, Holebas; Doucoure, Capoue; Femenia, Hughes, Richarlison; Okaka
Key Stats
- Watford have lost their last seven away games against Spurs, with their previous victory on the road against the North Londoners coming back in May 1985.
- Tottenham has lost their last two home games in all competition, although they have not lost three in a row since 2004.
- Watford has lost their last four visits to Wembley.
- Tottenham are unbeaten in their last 12 matches against Watford in all competitions.
- Since Watford’s victory over Arsenal in January 2017, they have lost their subsequent seven games played in London.
Betting Odds
Favourable Bets
1. Tottenham vs Watford – Watford Asian Handicap +2.5 @ 1.675
Player To Watch
Harry Kane
An injury in the middle of the race for the golden boot with Mohamed Salah has more or less ended Kane from running for the prize. There are still faint hopes of him catching the enigmatic Egyptian. Kane mainly has been sensational during the ending games of the season.
More important than the Golden Boot right now is to be fit to feature in his first World Cup, as he tries to get some more games under his belt before the mega tournament. He still has not recovered well and would be willing to get on the scoresheet again and lead England to a great World Cup in Russia.
Prediction
Tottenham 3-0 Watford
Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to secure a top-four finish ahead of Chelsea and will not likely let his team take it easy anytime soon. On the other hand, there is the chance of enduring three defeats in a row at Wembley, an issue which he would like to correct when Watford come visiting.
Watford, on the other hand, are seemingly safe from relegation and with key players missing they could find it difficult against Spurs. An easy win for Spurs could be on the cards on Monday.
