PREVIEW: Watford vs AFC Bournemouth – 31/03/18

Watford vs AFC Bournemouth

Date: 31/03/18

K/O: 15:00pm

Venue: Vicarage Road

Referee: Andy Madley

Saturday sees a true battle of the mid-table teams take place, as Watford welcome Bournemouth to Vicarage Road, both in search of a victory to further secure their place in the Premier League for the 2018/19 campaign.

Flashing back to Gameweek 2, the Hornets got two late goals in the span of 13 minutes last time out against Bournemouth, Richarlison and Etienne Capoue securing a 2-0 victory. Out of Gameweek 31, Junior Stanilas scored an 89th minute winner to give the Cherries a 2-1 win over West Brom. That wasn’t the case for Watford, as it was the Mohammed Salah show, with the Egyptian scoring four goals as Liverpool defeated Watford 5-0.

Both squads are on 36 points and appear relatively safe from the relegation battle at the bottom of the table. Watford have struggled, recording just two goals, both from Troy Deeney, in the last five gameweeks. Deeney didn’t have the “cajones” against Arsenal, as the Watford man’s penalty was saved by Petr Čech. Home is where the wins have been coming for the Hornets, picking up 13 points in their last five home games. Javi Gracia will look to infuse the the starting XI, as players continue to return from injury including midfielder Will Hughes and defenders Kiko Femenia and Miguel Britos.

Bournemouth have struggled on the road, with just a single win 3-0 victory in Gameweek 25 against Chelsea. Unlike the Hornets, Bournemouth have been finding the back of the net led by Stanislas and Callum Wilson, both with two goals in the last five away fixtures. Bournemouth have been struggling for wins, as the Gameweek 31 victory over West Brom was their first since Gameweek 26, a 2-1 win over Stoke City. Eddie Howe will turn to Junior Stanislas this week, as he’s been the most productive player in recent weeks.

Watford

While back-to-back losses against Arsenal and Liverpool were expected, the Hornets have continued to struggle in offensive terms. Gracia changed tactics after the hour mark in games against Everton and West Brom, shifting the 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-4-2, bringing on Stefano Okaka to partner with Deeney up front and Femenia on the right wing. The build and play by the forward line was spectacular – shades of Deeney/Ighalo during the 2015/16 Premier League season.

However, facing quality sides like Arsenal and Liverpool demonstrated just how fragile Watford are, even under a new manager. Whilst injuries remain a concern, we have seen Hughes and Britos included in the last few games to gain fitness, which can only improve the Hornets. Concern still lies with the lack of attack from Deeney without Okaka on the pitch. Add to that, Richarlison, struggling with fatigue, has played 90-minutes just once in the last seven gameweeks and has registered just two assists in that time.

Bournemouth

It hasn’t been all “cherry” for Bournemouth as Josh King continues to struggle with fitness, off the back of 16 goals last season, the forward has been lacking match fitness much of the second half of the season. Callum Wilson continues to see most of the starts, but failed to find the goal in the last six games. In the last five games, Bournemouth have scored six goals and recorded just five points.

The play of Stanislas continues to be a Bournemouth bright spot in an otherwise average looking season. The wide man has three goals in the last five games and has been the stalwart for Howe’s starting XI. Defensively, the Cherries continue to leak goals, as Nathan Aké continues to be the standout player. “”We are working as hard as we can for results every day and that is maximized to try to achieve success,” said Howe in a recent interview.

Predicted Lineups

Watford (4-2-3-1): Karezis, Holebas, Britos, Prödl, Janmaat, Capoue, Doucouré, Richarlison, Pereyra, Femenia, Deeney

Bournemouth: (4-4-1-1): Begovic, Daniels, Aké, S. Cook, Smith, Stanislas, Gosling, L. Cook, Ibe, King, Wilson

Predicted Score: Watford 2 Bournemouth 0

Place both teams in front of each other and they appear to be similar: teams with forwards that are misfiring and defences that leak goals. This game has the making to be a 0-0 draw, but feel there will be goals in the affair. Watford’s home form has been better than Bournemouth’s road form, which leads me to a 2-0 victory for the Hornets to move closer to the magical 40 points.

Written by Stephen Toumi.

Watford fan and craft beer enthusiast providing articles and opinions, supporting two of my favourite hobbies. #6thGoal #30SecondBeerReview 6thGoal.com