Saturday 17th December 15:00, Sunderland host Watford at the Stadium of Light. Last time out Sunderland lost 1-0 at home to Chelsea and Watford lost 2-0 to Manchester City in mid-week. Last season Sunderland lost this fixture 1-0. David Moyes could have done without Younes Kaboul’s summertime switch to Watford. The defender who was an integral part of last season’s survival should brace himself for a somewhat frosty Wearside reception. Moyes needs to reshuffle the midfield yet again as he looks to get three points from a vital home fixture. Didier N’Dong is back after his suspension but Jan Kirchhoff is the latest casualty in Sunderland’s crowded treatment room. David Moyes: "I was pleased with the performance against Chelsea and in the end their keeper made some good saves. "We have to win our home games if we want to stay in the Premier League. We are aiming for three points against Watford. "It will be a tight game, a close one and we need to make sure we win it." Walter Mazzarri on Troy Deeney, who has been stuck on 99 goals for the club for nine matches: "These are moments that can happen for a forward to have in his career. "He was unlucky last week because he had chances to score and didn't. Maybe he's feeling the pressure of these 100 goals but for us it's just important he plays for the team and then scores. "I'm not sure if it will be good for him to have had a rest or not, we will see." Match Appointments: Referee Robert Madley This season G12, Y57, R0, 4.75 cards per game Form: Sunderland: W-W-L-W-L-L Watford: L-W-L-L-W-L Head-to-head: Sunderland have only lost one of the eight league meetings (W4, D3) Watford's victory at the Stadium of Light last season was only their third in the 18 all-time meetings at Sunderland (D5, L10). Lawro's Prediction: 2-1 (Boris Becker 1-0) Team Selection: Watford Midfielder Roberto Pereyra is ruled out because of a knee injury sustained against Man City. Craig Cathcart has a groin injury but Valon Behrami and Younes Kaboul return to the side. Sunderland Sunderland need to make changes with Jan Kirchhoff the latest casualty with a torn cartilage. N’Dong is available after serving a 1 match ban. Anichebe (thigh), Jones (hip), Pienaar (calf) will face late fitness tests. Jack Rodwell remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Lee Cattermole, Lynden Gooch, Paddy McNair & Duncan Watmore are all unavailable due to long term injury. Expected Line up: Key Men: Watford Troy Deeney please log in to view this image Deeney is back in the Watford team looking for his 100th Watford goal, he has been stuck on 99 goals for sometime now (put your bets on now @Rackem' For Mackem ) Sunderland Jermain Defoe please log in to view this image Jermain has never scored against Watford but I get the feeling that record is about to end. Betting: Sunderland 17/10 Watford 2/1 Draw 12/15 My two pence... It would have been great to snatch a point against Chelsea but these are the types of games that we have to win. I am going for a 2-1 home win assuming that Moyes still has 11 fit players by the time it gets round to 3pm. Have a good day @joeisonfire
Class thread mate, I'm totally undicided how this will turn out, went for the win as we need it but with us anything can happen.. I do think moyes is getting the team looking solid tho and we look like a team that likes to play at home again. Long may it continue..
Our options in midfield are beginning to be a big worry. Watford are big and physical and if we put Janujaz and Pinnear as two of three or four in the middle then I fear we will be overrun. I'd consider either O'Shea or Podjy in front of the back four to give us a more physical presence.
You could be right. N'Dong is back too so he might start (and get another yellow card). O'Shea played well on Wednesday so Papy might be pushed into midfield.
Haven't got a clue for this one, not a clue. It's definitely winnable but god knows, speaking of god a lot could depend on if Anichebe plays.
Leave JOS in, Bodjy left of a back three with PvA LM, hopefully Pieenar with NDong back for some energy, but leave Januzaj until we are two goals up.
With this game we need to just go for it....no fcuking about. Balls for glory....straight into them. The Leicester game all over again. We have some good players....get out there and prove it. Sunderand 2 Watford 0.....Kone and Borini......top half of the tabe here we come......
Got a horrible feeling about this one!! Think we're on a downward spiral - all this press talk about the clubs dire financial position must be having an impact on the players anarl!!! FFS even the STAR is reporting today that DM would not have taken the job had he known. Now wishing ES would either spend so cash or FECK right off!!! Bart
Just read that full interview although not in the daily star... Moyes talking as if he's been mugged off by the owner, Short has either lied through his teeth to get Moyes to come in or Short has only recently found out about how bad his own finances are.
He's mugged off the last four managers. That's why Advocaat left. You can't believe a word the man says.
I would think Moyes will consider his future over this should a better offer come along on the back of it. You can't run a Premier League club with no spends. Personally I like Moyes. Pickford and Kone will be off to fund any activity.
Another vital game so we can stay in touch with the teams just outside the relegation zone. My heart says a 2 nill win, my head says draw.......screw you head!!!!
In the words of SA last season against the same team. Its a real 6 pointer. Watford have a canny team at times. But **** em. SAFC all the way this time. Defoe and Borini to rip it up. **** Watford. **** E ****ing Short. **** Elton John. **** em all.
If we show the same commitment as we did against Chelsea then we'll win, i'm going 2-0, Defoe and a.n.other.
Pickford, van Aanholt, Djilobodji, Denayer, Love, Koné, Ndong, Januzaj, Borini, Defoe, Anichebe Mannone, Larsson, Asoro, O'Shea, Khazri, E Robson, Honeyman
Anichebe playing is great news, he will make the difference. What about Boro vs Swansea though what result do we want there ? maybe 0-0.
Watford: Gomes (GK); Kaboul, Britos, Prodl, Holebas; Amrabat, Capoue, Behrami, Zuniga; Ighalo, Deeney (C). Subs: Pantilimon (GK), Success, Cathcart, Guedioura, Sinclair, Janmaat, Kabasele.
