Watford overturned their 4-game losing streak with a 2-1 win against Leicester City at Vicarage Road on Boxing Day. The holiday season sprinkled its blessings on the Hornets for what otherwise has been a December to forget. It looked like Marco Silva’s men had dropped their hands from the steering wheel and were on their way to the bottom half of the table.
But they are still in the 10th spot and have been blessed with a matchup against a team who are rotting in the bottom third of the Premier League.
Swansea City have been shambolic this season with their manager, Paul Clement facing the axe last week. Their struggles were clearly exposed in the 5-0 thrashing they received from Liverpool on Tuesday. With no clear directions to where they are headed, they will have a hard time facing a motivated Watford lineup eager to end the year on a high note.
However, the Watford team is crippled by multiple injuries and are not their strongest self. If the Swans can locate the opposition’s weak spots they can cause an upset away from home.
Silva is expected to field his men in the 4-3-3 formation.
Defence
Heurelho Gomes is the first choice keeper for the side and should get the nod again for this fixture. He has averaged 3 saves per match so far into the season.
Daryl Janmaat should find himself in the right-back position with Marvin Zeegelaar on the other end.
Sebastian Prödl was given a breather in the last fixture Molla Wague give the nod to make his debut against the Foxes. The Malinese centre-back is expected to start after impressing in the last fixture alongside Christian Kabasele.
Midfield
Etienne Capoue might make a return to the starting lineup in the holding midfield role with Ben Watson and Tom Cleverley ahead of him. The Frenchman lost his spot in the starting XI with bouts of injuries but can make an impression on Silva with an improved display in this fixture.
Roberto Pereyra can make a substitute appearance in the second half to push the attacking lineup if required.`
Attack
Richarlison played in the striker role in the previous fixture but is more naturally suited to the wing position. He is expected to appear from the left in the final third and resume his duties of running at the opposition defence.
Andre Carrillo can find himself placed on the right with Andre Gray returning to the lone striker role.
