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Watford vs Burnley – match preview and predicted starting XIs

Watford vs Burnley

Date: 19/01/2019

K/O: 15:00

Venue: Vicarage Road

Referee: Michael Oliver

Watford look to slow down a resurgent Burnley side who have won their last four games in all competitions – looking to win their fourth successive league game as they visit Vicarage Road.

Sean Dyche returns to Vicarage Road where he managed from 2002 until 2005; bringing a Burnley squad riding their best run of the season having won their last three in a row, putting themselves three points clear of the relegation zone. Currently 15th in the league table, the Clarets have struggled much of the season, conceding 43 goals already this campaign. Yet a win this weekend could see them notch up another position in the table, as they eye that 40-point marker.

Burnley welcomed back Tom Heaton three weeks ago and since then their form has taken a turn for the better, picking up a win on his return against West Ham and then going on to pick up victories against relegation rivals Huddersfield and Fulham. While victories and points are important, all still isn’t well with the offense, as they registered no shots on goal against Fulham despite picking up a 2-1 victory. That said, Ashley Barnes has three returns in his last five games with Chris Wood also picking up two goals in his last three starts. Both players add much-needed arsenal to a team that has conceded far too many compared to last years campaign.

These teams clashed back in game week two when Andre Gray got the visitors off to a flying start just three minutes in, in a game which finished 3-1 to the visitors. This time around, Watford will look to an attack that has been thwarted by missed opportunities. Gerard Deulofeu continues to look worth his price in Watford gold but continues to struggle inside the six-yard box – recording just two shots on goal in the last four games. The Hornets turned to unlikely winners last week at Selhurst Park as Craig Cathcart cancelled out his own goal to level the two sides before Tom Cleverly came off the bench to volley home the winner.

Defensively, Watford continue to play very well behind Ben Foster whose posted 18 saves in his last four games – a league high. His leadership and goalkeeping abilities have limited damage, giving the Hornets a chance in nearly every game. While the 3-3 draw at Bournemouth was a fluke, Foster continues to put in some excellent shifts with a defense that has struggled without Christian Kabasele due to injury. Gracia’s side have returned points in four out of their last five games, as they sit 7th in the league table on 32 points, a single point clear of Leicester City, but nine off the pace of Manchester United in 6th.

Team News

Watford: After last weekend’s victory, Javi Gracia praised his squad, “I’m very proud of all my players, not only for today. I think in all the games we have played we have competed well, with good results, with bad results, but always keeping a very good level.” The Hornets continue to build on their best season in the Premier League, one in which they have played well in most fixtures.

On the injury front, Will Hughes was removed last week on 19 minutes after concussion concern, he’s currently being assessed and could be a game-time decision. Christian Kabasele has missed the better part of four matches after colliding with the goal post on Boxing Day and looks to miss out again with Adrian Mariappa continued to fill in. Up top, Andre Gray continues to struggle with fitness and is day to day improving, but figure he won’t be available for Gracia this weekend.



Captain Troy Deeney has posted four attacking returns in the last five games and continues to play an important role on the pitch, holding up the play and being a viable finisher. The play of Roberto Pereyra continues to be inconsistent at best and while the Argentine has returned away from the Vic this season, he’s posted a single return in his last four and hasn’t been effective in front of the net at all.

Burnley: The Clarets arrive with Tom Heaton healthy to start which could have been the missing piece for a Dyche defense that dazzled last season. This year behind Joe Hart, the same group has struggled for wins, conceding 43 goals – second worse in the league, while they have only managed five clean sheets.

Injury concerns are in the midfield, as Johan Berg Gudmundsson picked up a thigh injury and will likely be assessed before the fixture, “Johann has a minor one, but we’re hopeful. He finished the game, but has missed a few days with his thigh.” said Dyche. Other midfield concerns see Robby Brady suspended until January 26th, while Aaron Lennon underwent a knee operation last month. In a team struggling to generate goals, these players will be missed.

Looking at the results, Burnley have scored six goals, conceding just twice over the last three games, which is a big turn around from their festive form where they conceded nine while scoring just twice. Wood and Barnes will lead the line again and try to register a shot on target – something they didn’t manage last time out.

For Burnley to be successful at Vicarage Road their defense needs to shine, which means they will be relying on the gloves of Heaton to turn back the Watford attack from a group that has looked good creating but not finishing this season. James Tarkowski has put together a strong campaign leading the defense while posting three goals and an assist this season and he will be vital once more.



Predicted Starting XIs

Watford (4-4-2): Foster; Holebas, Cathcart, Mariappa, Fermenia; Pereyra, Capoue, Doucoure, Cleverley; Deeney, Deulofeu

Burnley (4-4-2): Heaton; Taylor, Mee, Tarkowski, Bardsley; Gudmundsson, Cork, Westwood, Hendrick; Barnes, Wood

Score Prediction: Watford 2 Burnley 1

On paper, it appears to be an even match up. However, Watford got the best of Burnley to start the season winning 3-1. It appears that the Hornets have enough offensively to breach a defense that has been improving, but not to the level we saw last season. I feel the midfield will decide the game and Watford have a pair that controls the tempo and dictate the game throughout and home advantage may just pay off in this one.

Stephen Toumi

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

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