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PREVIEW: Watford vs Huddersfield Town – 27/10/2018

Watford vs Huddersfield Town

Date: 27/10/2018

K/O: 15.00

Venue: Vicarage Road

Referee: Mike Dean

David Wagner and winless Huddersfield travel to Vicarage Road, where Watford will be looking to keep up their momentum after a 2-0 away win against Wolves.

After just one point in four matches, Javi Gracia was forced into changing the starting XI as the Golden Boys visited Molineux. The changed worked, inside of 60 seconds, as Etienne Capoue and Roberto Pereyra gave the Hornets a 2-0 lead they would not relinquish. That win saw Watford pick up a vital three points, now up to 7th in the Premier League table.

The win at Wolves was dominating and a reminder that Watford can compete with any team in the league. This win was indicative of how they played in their first four weeks of the season. Gracia is concerned, “They defeated us twice last season and we know it will be a very difficult game for us. We have to show our best and try and be demanding.”

The Terriers scored four goals last December, in a 4-1 win, as Troy Deeney picked up a red card in the 33rd minute, which made for a long day for the Hornets. The result wasn’t much better in April, when Watford traveled to the Kirklees Stadium and were on the short end of a 1-0 loss. It’s three wins against Watford under David Wagner, this year sitting in 19th, though Huddersfield have scored just six goals for the season, conceding 18 in the process.

Watford

It was the return of Gerard Deulofeu to Watford’s starting XI, as the Spaniard debuted, partnering with Issac Success up front, while Adam Masina and Adrian Mariappa each got the start, as Gracia dealt with defensive suspensions. “I am confident in all the players and the problem for me is that I have to choose only 11 to start the game,” said Gracia, as he faces a selection dilemma ahead of Huddersfield.

That decision could be made easier, as captain Troy Deeney continues to recover from a hamstring problem that saw him not travel last week to Molineux. “I have doubts if Troy will be back, he is in the same process of recovery from the original injury and I do not know if he will be available or not,” said Gracia, which could mean Success gets another start. Watford will also be without Nathaniel Chalobah, who has missed training due to a knee injury. They join Sebastian Prodl, who limped off last week, Daryl Janmaat and Tom Cleverley.

Gracia and Watford can’t take Huddersfield lightly, as they give Liverpool a challenge, eventually losing 1-0. However, they had their chances to score. “You can see from their results, whenever they have played away from home they have scored a goal. Whether they lose or draw, they always score,” said the Watford boss.



Huddersfield Town

The Terriers come to Vicarage riding a bit of a wave against the Hornets, having won the last three games against in league competition. Last season, the Terriers stunned Watford at Vicarage Road, 4-0. Wagner won’t have defenders, Terence Kongolo, ruled out with a thigh injury, or Tommy Smith due to a groin problem. They will also be without Ramadan Sohbi and Danny Williams due to knee injuries.

Huddersfield have seen some success on the road, scoring goals in each of their four away games. Watford will be tough, as they have conceded just four at home this season with two clean sheets.

Many have already written the Terriers off as they look to be in a relegation fight all season long. “I am absolutely fine with the mental strength the players have shown and how brave they were [against Liverpool]. If the group show what they have shown in this game – the willingness, the togetherness, the desire, passion and spirit, plus the performance consistently in the next weeks, then results and goals will come, I am 100% sure of that,” said Wagner.

Predicted Starting XI’s:

Watford: Foster; Holebas, Kabasele, Cathcart, Femenia; Pereyra, Capoue, Doucoure, Hughes; Deulofeu, Success.

Huddersfield: Lossl; Lowe, Schindler, Zanka; Durm, Billing, Hogg, Mooy, Hadergjonaj, Pritchard, Depoitre.

Prediction: Watford 3 Huddersfield 1

The Terriers have looked more dangerous away from home this season and have defeated three games in a row. Watford will need to show the commitment and threat they carried last week and not let down or it could be a long and frustrating day. At the final whistle, I do think Watford will continue their winning ways.

Stephen Toumi

Watford supporter! #FPL ID#446 | Vegan | Craft beer enthusiast, homebrewer #FPLBeerClub | #30SecondBeerReview Host of Pitch & Pint Pod #pitchpintpod

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