Watford v Newcastle United – Match Preview!
Posted on February 26th, 2010 | 37 Comments |
This won’t be an easy game though, as Watford have been impressive at home, losing just once in their last 6 games, scoring 11 goals and conceding just 2 in the process, and it seems that some of their players are fired up by the chance of getting one over the current league leaders. Boyhood Newcastle fan and current Watford striker Danny Graham explains:
“Newcastle is a massive game – it’s one that every team looks forward to in the Championship; they’re a very big team in this league.”
“We can’t wait for them to come down to Vicarage Road where we are very good and strong hopefully we can give them a difficult game and take all three points.”
I hate boyhood Newcastle fans playing against us, they remind me of Graham Fenton, although we do have our very own player who will return to his old stomping ground in the considerable shape of Mike Williamson, who will undoubtedly be looking to get one over his former team-mates.
Newcastle face a mild injury crisis for this trip, with Wayne Routledge, Peter Lovenkrands, Jose Enrique and Nicky Butt all losing their respective races to be fit, as well as long term casualties such as Joey Barton, Shola Ameobi and Steven Taylor, who are all still out of action.
With that in mind, plus the fact we are away from home and will probably revert to the tried and tested 4-5-1, our starting line-up should look something like:
Newcastle United: Harper, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Van Aanholt, R Taylor, Guthrie, Smith, Nolan, Gutierrez, Carroll.
The right side of midfield is a big question mark though. If we do go to the 4-5-1 formation the I’d assume Kevin Nolan would be used as an advanced midfielder with Danny Guthrie and Alan Smith plugging the middle. Obviously if Guthrie is in the middle then we need someone on the right which either means Ryan Taylor or Fabrice Pancrate should get the nod. I’ve personally gone for Taylor as he has scored in the last 2 games.
On-loan Chelsea full back Patrick Van Aanholt will make his last appearance for Newcastle as his loan is scheduled to end after Saturday’s game, although it is understood that Chris Hughton is in talks with the Chelsea hierachy with a view to extending the loan period.
Watford have one of their key players missing for the match, Tom Cleverley recieved a straight red card in last Saturday’s game at Scunthorpe United so will miss out as he serves the first of his 3 game suspension. This is how they lined up for that game at Scunthorpe:
Watford: Loach, Mariappa, DeMerit, Doyley, Taylor, Lansbury, Cowie, Cleverley, Eustace, Graham, Helguson.
Heider Helguson will need to be watched as he can be a real danger along with Henri Lansbury whilst Jay DeMerit will need to be well marshalled on any set pieces. I’m not sure who will play instead of Tom Cleverley although I’d say Stephen McGinn will get the nod.
Refereeing the match will be Tony Bates form Staffordshire who last took charge of a Newcastle match in the 4-3 Carling Cup win against Huddersfield earlier in the season.
On reflection, a win here would be very handy indeed and would undoubtedly be the anniversary gift that Chris Hughton will be after as he celebrates two years working at the madhouse. I’m plumping for a conservative 1-1 scoreline however and another frustrating away day although I hope I’m proved wrong and we can get back to winning ways on the road.
Howay the lads!
NUFCBlog Author: toonsy
toonsy has written 643 articles on this blog.
i dont see us taking the three points from this game if i am honest. they are good at home and we are poor away. A score draw at best for us is my prediction.