Tottenham vs Watford
Date: 30/04/2018
K/O: 20:00pm
Venue: Wembley Stadium
TV: Sky Sports Premier League
Referee: Stewart Atewell
On the back of no wins in six games, Watford travel south to Wembley to face Spurs, who are winless in their last three.
Even coming off the back of just two points in recent weeks, Spurs carry a decided advantage into Monday’s game against the Hornets. Goals. The Hornets haven’t converted an away goal in the last seven games, recording just a single point in a 0-0 draw to Stoke City. To make matters worse, Watford have conceded 14 goals in that time too.
Embed from Getty ImagesSpurs have a definite incentive, as they look to stave off an onrushing Chelsea squad, looking to grab a top four finish for a berth into the Champions League next season. As it stands now, Spurs have a two point advantage with a game in hand against the defending champions.
Tottenham
Spurs will look to stop a three game skid, coming off a 2-1 defeat away to Manchester United. Spurs currently sit as the second highest scoring team (13 goals) over the last 6 game weeks, however the fitness of Harry Kane remains a question mark. His inclusion in the starting XI on Monday is key, or Spurs will turn to Heung-Min Son to pick up the slack.
Son has played an important role for Spurs over the last few years. Over the last six games, Son has had 41 penalty touches and 16 goal attempts, 14 from inside the box, which makes him the leading Spurs midfielders in those departments. Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli have also upped their game with Kane struggling, combining for five goals. Regardless of how you move the statistics around, Spurs have a decided advantage over Watford.
Embed from Getty ImagesWatford
Watford have conceded four goals after the 70′ minutes in their last three games, two of which came in injury time. The results, one point from a potential nine, sees Watford languishing in 13th place, by all outward appearance safe from relegation. However, that isn’t good enough for Javi Gracia. “I know the results in the last away games but I think the results were worse than the performances. As I said, I am confident we will be able to do it in the next game against Tottenham.”
Going forward, he will have to do it without forward, Stefano Okaka, out for the season with a thigh injury, however Gerard Deulofeu could be available on Monday, as the Spaniard has stepped up his recovery. Already lacking goals, the Hornets could be without Roberto Pereyra, as he limped off against Palace. This could leave a fit again Troy Deeney as the sole striker for Gracia.
Embed from Getty ImagesPredicted Starting XI’s
Tottemham (4-2-3-1) Lloris, Davies, Vertonghen, Sanchez, Trippier, Dembele, Dier, Son, Eriksen, Alli, Kane
Watford (3-4-2-1) Karnezis, Holebas, Kabasele, Cathcart, Janmaat, Capoue, Doucoure, Richarlison, Hughes, Femenia, Deeney
Predicted Score: Tottenham 4 Watford 0
Spurs have the advantage headed into Monday. They have the powers and incentive to go out and perform as Champions League qualification is in the balance. While Kane hasn’t been productive recently, the play of the midfield three will be more than enough to put Watford away. The only question remains, will Watford even get a shot on target?
Written by Stephen Toumi.
Watford fan and craft beer enthusiast providing articles and opinions, supporting two of my favourite hobbies. #6thGoal #30SecondBeerReview 6thGoal.com
