Watford will travel to Hawthorns on Saturday to take on Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion on matchday 14 of the Premier League. This season has been so far so good for both sides. Both of them are in the top half and will fancy their chance to stay there by the end of the campaign. West Brom are ninth with 17 points while Watford are one point and one place ahead of them.
Watford were below their usual standards in the 1-0 defeat at home to Stoke last week but some decent results previously see them boasting a top-half place after 13 game weeks. They have won at West Ham and Middlesbrough this season picked up a point from their visits to Southampton and Swansea. They also lost twice on the road, one of those was a sheer humiliation at the hands of Liverpool. Walter Mazzarri’s boys also lost 2-0 at Turf Moor earlier this season.
It’s only the first season of Mazzarri in the Premier League and he had a pretty decent start to life at Watford. West Brom have not been that solid defensively this season as they used to be and Watford have what it takes to exploit that. Here is the predicted Watford lineup against West Brom.
Defence
Experienced Brazilian keeper Heurelho Gomes will keep his place under the bar and will be keen to impress after his poor showing against Stoke City last week. One of Watford’s key defenders, Miguel Britos is missing the game with a suspension. He will be a big miss for the Hornets and Christian Kabasele is likely to fill in for him.
Younes Kaboul is also doubtful for the game and Adrian Mariappa is likely to fill in if the Frenchman misses the game. Sebastian Prodl is likely to complete the midfield trio. Daryl Janmaat and Jose Holebas are likely to start in the two wing-back positions.
Midfield
Valon Behrami will be a big miss against West Brom. The Swiss international is suspended for the game and Etienne Capoue is, therefore, likely to start in a deeper role. Roberto Pereyra is likely to partner the Frenchman at the middle of the park. Nordin Amrabat is likely to keep his place on the right flank. Odion Ighalo is likely to get a start on the left flank.
Attack
Troy Deeney, the Watford skipper is not exactly banging in goals on a regular basis this season but has been impressive week in week out with his all-round ability. The 28-year-old has scored 3 goals and set up 3 more from 14 games in all competitions this season and will be looking to add to his tally as he starts up front against West Brom.
