Watford will look to consolidate their top half position when they welcome a Stoke City outfit whose recent run of positive results was cut short by a shock home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth. After a horrible start to the season, Stoke had a wonderful last month and a half and have clawed their way up to the 13th place. But the Potters will rue missing the chance of continuing their dream run and will now look to get back to winning ways when they travel to the Vicarage Road to face the Hornets. But it is easier said than done, with Watford showing serious pedigree for a top half finish this season.
Walter Mazzarri was brought in to better their last season’s finish, which for many was something insurmountable. But against all odds they are in a position after 12 gameweeks, from where a top half finish is very much a possibility. But Watford’s only concern will be their tendency to lose or draw matches they should be winning. Wins over Leicester City and Manchester United are contradicted by draws against Bournemouth and Swansea City and a loss against Burnley. Watford need to finish these games as the going will get tough as the season progresses.
Irrespective of the League rankings, this game will be between two fairly matched sides.
PREDICTED WATFORD LINE-UP VS STOKE CITY (3-4-2-1)
DEFENCE
Heurelho Gomes has recovered well after a shaky start and will look to keep up his intensity. His quick reflexes have come to their rescue many a time and he would love to keep a clean sheet against the Potters. The back three is likely to consist of Kaboul, Prodl and Britos. They were resilient against Leicester and will look for a repeat performance against Stoke.
MIDFIELD
Holebas is likely to return and take his spot on the left wing-back role while Daryl Janmaat will take up the opposite flank. The two central midfielders will be Capoue and Behrami who adjusted to the change in formation quite well last weekend and will look to do the same again.
ATTACK
Roberto Pereyra was emphatic last week and looks to have embraced the freedom provided to him on the left. He was brought in for the impact which we saw last week and the fans will hope he can carry on in the same vein of form. Amrabat was stationed on the right-flank and he provides much more balance on that side. Odion Ighalo’s form finally saw him relegated to the bench with Troy Deeney leading the line.