Tottenham Hotspur vs Watford
Date: 30/01/2019
K/O: 20:00
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Referee: Kevin Friend
Spurs will look to improve on a dreadful run in the last few weeks which has seen them drop to third in the Premier League table while also being dumped out of both the FA Cup and League Cup last week.
With Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Moussa Sissoko all sidelined with injury and Heung-min Son feeling “physically empty” after his Asian Cup exerts, Watford visit Wembley Stadium looking to do the double on Spurs this season – although the team they faced last time out may be slightly different due to the injury concerns. The last time these two teams clashed it was at Stadium MK, last September when the game was decided on penalties in Tottenham’s favour. Weeks earlier in the Premier League Watford came from behind to defeat Spurs 2-1 in a hotly contested game at Vicarage Road.
In their last four in the league, Spurs have won their last two away games to Cardiff and Fulham respectively yet have fallen to both Wolves and Manchester United at Wembley which will give the Hornets some hope. Pochettino’s side are currently nine points off the league leaders and are closely followed by London rivals Chelsea, who currently sit only four points behind Spurs in fourth.
As for Gracia’s side – they have picked up six points in their last four games with three draws and a win which leaves the Hornets on 33 points and currently ‘the best of the rest’. The win over Newcastle in the FA Cup at the weekend means it’s six games without a loss for Watford.
Spurs look a bit “toothless” without Kane and Son in the starting XI and the team have struggled to perform in their absence. As for a replacement for Kane, only Llorente is a possibility as Vincent Janssen seems to be absent from Pochettino’s plans with the manager claiming they have a very good relationship – making his exile from the first team slightly confusing.
Tottenham Hotspur
During the off-season, Spurs did not dip into the transfer market as they started the campaign the season unchanged. Unfortunately, recent injuries have put Pochettino’s club in dire straits. “I always say that I am more than open to improve and to add players to the squad. That is so clear. You can find on the internet, from all of my press conferences, I always say the same thing. I am more than open. A different thing is if we can find the right player who is going to help us to improve the team, the squad,” said Pochettino recently, when asked about upcoming signings during the January transfer window.
Harry Kane is ruled out due to an ankle injury picked up against Manchester United. Dele Alli, also ruled out, has started to undergo rehabilitation on a thigh injury and should return to training in early March. Moussa Sissoko’s injury isn’t as bad as initially thought, which means he could be available against Watford. Ben Davies, like Sissoko, picked up a (groin) injury in the Carabao Cup and could be ruled out against Watford.
If the injuries aren’t enough, Pochettino will turn to Heung-min Son, who returned from the UAE during the week after South Korea’s exit from the Asian Cup. “Yes, yes…we hope he’ll be available and ready on Wednesday to help the team.” This could be the key player Spurs need to kick start the offense that has struggled recently. With the return of Son, Erik Lamela could potentially partner with him up front, knocking Llorente to the bench.
Watford
Javi Gracia could be without defender, Kiko Femenia, who picked up a thigh injury against Burnley, as Daryl Janmaat has been slotted back in at right wing-back. The bigger blow for the Golden Boys, a knee injury picked up by Abdoulaye Doucoure. Ahead of the FA Cup, Gracia said, “Doucoure is not ready, he has a problem in his right knee.” Chances are he could miss the trip to Wembley too which leaves a hole in midfield, alongside Etienne Capoue.
Ahead of the FA Cup, Gracia made seven changes to the starting XI. This week, the injury to Doucoure will have Gracia looking to Will Hughes, Tom Cleverley or Ken Sema to fill the void. Watford are still looking at Gerard Deulofeu to improve his finishing as he plays out of position up front. Defensively, the Hornets are in the market for a central defender but ahead of this game, Christian Kabasele will partner with Craig Cathcart, while Jose Holebas and his nine attacking returns should start on the left.
Predicted Starting XI’s:
Tottenham Hotspur (3-4-2-1): Lloris; Sanchez, Vertonghen, Alderweireld; Trippier, Winks, Eriksen, Rose; Lamela, Lucas Moura; Llorente
Watford: (4-2-2-2): Foster; Holebas, Kabasele, Cathcart, Janmaat; Capoue, Cleverley; Pereyra, Hughes; Deulofeu, Deeney
Score Prediction: Spurs 1 Watford 2
If any team needs a big win this week, it’s Spurs, but recent form has seen them struggling. Watford continue to play very well in recent weeks but not having Doucoure in the middle will be a factor. I give Watford a slight edge, after their cup performance and current streak and it could be Watford doing the double against Spurs this season.
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