Watford are hosting Southampton for their fourth-round FA Cup tie on Saturday at Vicarage Road. They breezed past Bristol City in the previous round with a 3-0 win at home on 6th January. But with Marco Silva off the helm and Javi Gracia on the reins, this tie makes it an interesting fixture especially when both sides are struggling in the Premier League to put up wins in a row.
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 0-2 loss to Leicester City on the weekend and have edged closer to the lower tier clubs rather than staying in the top half of the table.
Watford do not have the most illustrious history in this competition with just one runners-up appearance three decades back. Even in the current season, winning the trophy might not be in their topmost priorities while finishing well away from the relegation zone, is. The former Malaga manager is still settling into the side and might not be willing to make any big changes.
Gracia 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 and has played in the domestic competitions too.
Daryl Janmaat should find himself in the right-back position with Marvin Zeegelaar on the other end.
Molla Wague has been impressive so far but might get replaced by Sebastian Prödl. The Austrian 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.
Tom Cleverley might feature in the attacking midfield position ahead of Roberto Pereyra.
Richarlison is the predicted starter on the left flank with Andre Carrillo on the right.
Attack
Troy Deeney looked really rusty against the Foxes and might not start in this fixture. Andre Gray can start in the number nine role and prove his worth to the new manager.
