Watford are travelling to the King Power Stadium for their Premier League fixture against Leicester City on Saturday. A thrilling match up for two sides, both gunning for a spot in the top 6. But with Watford hitting a rough patch in recent weeks it looks like an unrealistic target.
The Hornets started off the season in scintillating form and at some point even matched strides with Leicester and Burnley for the 7th spot, but now it looks like they have run out of steam and a series of injuries to key players have really stunted their progress.
They are coming off a 2-2 draw against another struggling side, Southampton in their last league fixture. It looked like the Saints had knocked their lights out with two goals in the first half itself, but the Hornets made a comeback with a controversial second goal coming off of Doucoure’s hand.
Marco Silva needs to figure out a way to get the side out this 3-game winless rut they are stuck in and needs to get the double over the Foxes to secure their spot in the 10th place of the points table.
The last matchup between the two took place on Boxing day and Watford came away with the very important 2-1 win. Replicating the same result or better will take a lot of character from the Watford ranks, something all Hornets are looking out for.
Silva is expected to field his men in the 4-2-3-1 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 has been dropped from the starting XI in recent weeks ever since the 3 back formation was sacrificed. His replacement, Molla Wague has been impressive so far and is expected to start alongside Christian Kabasele in the centre-back positions.
Midfield
Abdoulaye Doucouré is the expected to pair up in the holding midfield role alongside Ben Watson. Doucouré will have a more offensive role with Watson taking over the defensive responsibilities against the opposition midfield.
Roberto Pereyra is the predicted starter in the attacking midfield role behind the lone striker.
Attack
Andre Gray scored the all-important first goal against the Saints to spark the comeback. He is in a good run of form and should get the nod ahead of Troy Deeney. Gray might get flanked by Richarlison and Andre Carrillo with the latter on the right.
