please log in to view this image WATFORD V NEWCASTLE UNITED please log in to view this image Venue : Vicarage Road Stadium Date : Saturday 5th May 2018 Kick Off : 1500 BST please log in to view this image Watford showed enough from an attacking perspective against Tottenham on Monday to suggest they can gain a long-awaited victory and continue their excellent recent record against Newcastle. The Hornets lost 2-0 at Wembley but had plenty of chances to score a goal, which would have been only their second away from home since mid-December. However, their efforts were either straight at goalkeeper Hugo Lloris or off-target, such as a glorious opportunity which the otherwise dangerous Richarlison fired over the crossbar from close range during the second half. At least there was some spirit about Watford and perhaps they are not ‘on the beach’ just yet, even though they have gone seven matches without a win and find themselves looking over their shoulders to make sure the relegation-threatened teams are not gaining too much ground. Javi Gracia’s side still have only the very slightest of relegation worries, there are none at all for Newcastle because they are mathematically safe and indeed in the top half of the table despite losing 1-0 at home to bottom club West Bromwich Albion last weekend. The Magpies were the better side on the day but caught out by a smash-and-grab raid from the improved Baggies and their fortunes at Vicarage Road will hinge significantly on their mental approach to a fixture that could have a definite end-of-season feel to it. Watford v Newcastle Head to Head Watford romped to a 3-0 success on their visit to St James’ Park earlier this season. That was their fourth straight win over the Magpies in all competitions, two of the last three being with a clean sheet. Watford have won their last two home fixtures against Newcastle (one league, one FA Cup) and both successes were by a one-goal margin. Overall the head to head is in Newcastle’s favour with them 14-12 ahead with 14 drawn matches. Team News Gerard Deulofeu made an impact from the bench at Wembley on Monday night after his return from injury and should start here. Troy Deeney may also come into the starting XI in place of Andre Gray from the side that lost at Tottenham. Roberto Pereyra is a doubt for the hosts, while Tommie Hoban, Tom Cleverley, Stefano Okaka, Nathaniel Chalobah and Younes Kaboul all miss out. Christian Atsu is ruled out for the away side, while midfielder Mikel Merino is a doubt with a knee problem. Islam Slimani's time at Newcastle is over after he was handed a retrospective three-man ban for violent conduct after kicking out at Craig Dawson in the 1-0 loss at West Brom. Referee: Roger East please log in to view this image Assistants: Simon Beck, Andy Garratt Fourth official: Lee Probert WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD - ENJOY THE GAME
A little more composure in front of goal and cut out the mistakes at the back all coupled with the application shown against Palace and Spurs should see us win comfortably.
I think that we are now seeing our best centre half pairing. Cathcart brings a degree of calm to the defence.
I'm actually feeling quite confident about this. I think our centre-back pairing look good, we looked creative going forward against Spurs. With a bit of composure up front and no goalkeeping howlers I think we should win. Would perhaps like to see Gomes given a chance in goal.
I would also like to see Gomes in goal as I think this might be his last home game unless he is happy to sit on the bench next season. He has been fantastic for the club and I would hope that it is recognised.
He's already hinted on Twitter that if he's not needed he's happy to leave...that was a little disappointing, I thought he was more of a team player than that.
Just read in the WO that our current man, who I forgot is only on loan, is talking about going back to Greece. That could change matters.
Slimani is banned so Newcastle have lost an edge up top. Am hoping that Newcastle have started their holidays early and we have not so am going for a 1-0 to us
Those of you who are feeling confident going into this game, I admire your optimism. I really do. Especially given Gracia´s team talk that was leaked online earlier; "Right, today against a fellow Spaniard we have to win. Newcastle are on the beach lads, so relax but remember all our training these months on the same failing things we need to put right. Everyone, just remember to cut out the individual errors like in the article here we are top of the table of; including keeping errors, oh, yes, defensive too. Richarlison, do you understand? Goal, under the bar and between the posts with the shots, sale? Oh yes, Holebas, throw to YELLOW players. Deeney, Grey, strikers can also score goals. Okaka, more than 50 mins before breathing out your culo if possible, si? OK lads one more thing, if there are long balls into our box at 0-0 at the end, you know we can clear it and not conced. Although we are safe we are not yet, especially me! Ah, I nearly forgot, Will, you have been selected for positive spin talk to media after the game whatever the result!" Yes, fellow Hornets, this was leaked from a reliable sauce. Gabriel Iván Heinze, who is being lined up to be our next manager over the summer and also as left back.
I've heard we are sprinkling an extra 10 tons of sand on the pitch to make both sets of players feel happier running round in flip-flops!
Guess that may depend on the result. We really do need a result to boost morale. I'm no expert of course but looking at it from purely a business viewpoint I don't like the fact that every player, the manager, and his team are in a sphere of uncertainty and the unknown. And by the time a new guy gets appointed as gaffer its too late. The fans offer loyalty but everyone else involved, under the current regime does not - and why should they?. Well OK the Pozzos stick around but they for sure do not reward loyalty. And they need to look at 3 seasons with similar profiles. They cannot blame that on the personnel. That has to be down to them. Rant over. C'mon u'orns