Relegation-threatened Watford host an underperforming Crystal Palace side in the Premier League on Wednesday after an impressive 1-0 win against Aston Villa.
Watford are experiencing a positive start under new manager Roy Hodgson, who secured his first win since taking over from Claudio Ranieri last weekend. The Hornets secured a narrow victory over Aston Villa, which took some of the pressure off them even though they are still languishing in the relegation zone.
There is an intriguing battle brewing in the bottom half of the table given the relatively small points gap between teams in the drop zone and those just above them. So when Watford host 13th-placed Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road, the game could potentially be a six-pointer for the Hornets.
Even if Watford secure three points, they will remain in the danger zone, although the result will put massive pressure on the teams above them. Hodgson will certainly feel the timing is right to face his former club, who are in a terrible run of form. The away win and clean sheet at the weekend will certainly boost Watford’s confidence before this massive clash.
Crystal Palace come into this game having lost narrowly to Chelsea at the weekend. That loss marked the sixth game without a win for Palace in the Premier League, as alarm bells will be ringing in Vieira’s ears if the slump continues. Their previous visit to Vicarage Road also resulted in a defeat in the Carabao Cup, and the manager will be looking to avoid a similar fate in the midweek encounter.
Palace will have to be at their best during a difficult week as they have two games against teams in the relegation zone. After the Hornets, Vieira’s side will face an in-form Burnley outfit, which could be a tricky fixture. But the Eagles can also look at these clashes as an opportunity to put an end to their poor run.
Team News & Tactics
Watford
Roy Hodgson does not have any fresh injury or fitness concerns after Watford’s win against Aston Villa. The manager is still waiting on late assessments on a few of his first-team players, including Joao Pedro and Juraj Kucka.
? Roy Hodgson is used to facing old clubs during his managerial career.
See more key facts and stats ahead of #WATCRY in Stats Buzz! ?⤵️
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) February 22, 2022
Peter Etebo and Kwadwo Baah did play some minutes with the U-23s, although they will be short on match fitness ahead of the Palace clash. Nicolas Nkoulou is also out of contention with a thigh problem, meaning Christian Kabasele should start in central defence alongside Craig Cathcart.
Kiko Femenia and Hassane Kamara should slot in as the full-backs, with Ben Foster the preferred choice between the sticks behind the back four. Hodgson is expected to continue with a 4-3-3 formation with Tom Cleverley, Moussa Sissoko and Imran Louza likely to form the midfield three.
Emmanuel Dennis will continue attacking from the left side of the front three, with Ismaila Sarr the outlet from the right. Josh King will lead the line as the Hornets target back-to-back wins.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Foster; Femenia, Cathcart, Kabasele, Kamara; Sissoko, Louza, Cleverley; Sarr, King, Dennis
Crystal Palace
Nathan Ferguson remains a sure absentee against Watford, while Joel Ward is also out of the clash. Vicente Guaita, who was subbed off against Chelsea at half-time, remains a doubt for the trip to Vicarage Road. However, Jack Butland is available to deputise if required.
Tomorrow we travel to Vicarage Road ?#CPFC
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 22, 2022
Conor Gallagher is also expected to slot straight back into the lineup after missing the Chelsea clash due to his ineligibility against his parent club. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Clyne should be starting at right-back in place of the injured Ward.
Vieira could use Will Hughes at the base of midfield while pushing Cheikhou Kouyate to the left side of the three. Gallagher will start in his usual position on the right side of the central zone. Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi will keep their central defensive partnership intact, with Tyrick Mitchell settled in at left-back. Butland could be the preferred choice in goal behind the back-four.
Michael Olise should be preferred to start on the right side of the attack, with Odsonne Edouard likely to lead the line, while talisman Wilfried Zaha slots in on the left side of the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Butland; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Hughes, Kouyate; Olise, Edouard, Zaha
Key Stats
- Watford have lost their last six home games in the Premier League.
- Watford have failed to score in their last three home games in the Premier League.
- Watford have conceded at least two goals in five of their last six home games in the Premier League.
- Crystal Palace have failed to beat Watford in their last six matches away from home in the Premier League.
- Crystal Palace have drawn their last three away matches in the Premier League.
Player to Watch
Wilfried Zaha
Crystal Palace need inspiration from somewhere, and Zaha is the leader within the team that fans and players will look up to, to help spark a turnaround. With the London side on a dismal run of six games without a win, they need an upturn in results to improve their immediate fortunes.
Zaha has not personally had a good season with Palace in 2021/22, and after a hit-and-miss display against Chelsea, the Watford clash couldn’t have come at a better time for the Ivorian. It could provide him with a brilliant chance to make his mark and ensure that his team do not get dragged into the relegation battle.
Prediction
Watford 1-2 Crystal Palace
Both sides are desperate for positive results heading into Wednesday’s encounter at Vicarage Road. The pressure is on Patrick Vieira as the Frenchman faces the danger of seeing his team get sucked into the relegation dogfight with another bad result. Roy Hodgson, meanwhile, will want to guide his team towards safety by building on their win against Aston Villa.
However, the Hornets have had an inconsistent record in the Premier League this season. Given the quality in the side and the form of Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise and Conor Gallagher, Palace have the ammunition to get three points. Expect the Eagles to be on fire and bag a much-needed victory to add further problems for their hosts.
