There are some key fixtures in the English Premier League this weekend including the meeting between Newcastle United and Watford at St. James' Park.
The hosts begin the weekend in 19th place on 11 points while the visitors are in 17th place on 13 points, making this a key fixture in the battle against the drop.
📸📸🔜 #NEWWAT— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 13, 2022
📸📸🔜 #NEWWAT
Newcastle United come into the match having been dumped out of the FA Cup at home by Cambridge United.
It was a hugely embarrassing result for The Magpies and they played a strong starting XI, meaning there was no excuse for the poor result.
The loss against Cambridge United means Newcastle United have failed to win any of their last 5 games in all competitions and have recorded just a single victory from their 21 matches this season.
The win came at home in the Premier League against Burnley but since then Newcastle United have lost 3 and drawn 1 of their 4 league fixtures.
However, Newcastle United have been difficult to beat in recent home games and they are undefeated in 4 of their last 5 on home soil in the Premier League.
Three of those 5 matches have ended in a draw, with just a single victory. Trends show both teams have scored in 7 of Newcastle United’s 10 most recent home league games.
Watford make the trip to St. James' Park on the back of a 4-1 loss at Leicester City in the FA Cup on the weekend.
It was not a shock to see Watford lose the game but they will be disappointed to have gone down so easily against fellow Premier League opponents.
That result means Watford have lost each of their last 7 games in all competitions. That includes each of their last 6 in the Premier League and Watford have won only 1 of their 9 most recent league fixtures, losing the other 8 matches.
The Hornets have lost each of their last 3 away league games at Arsenal, Leicester City, and Brentford. They have lost 6 of their 8 away Premier League fixtures this season, with the only wins coming at Norwich City and Everton.
Watford have been involved in some entertaining matches away from home in the Premier League this season. They have seen over 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 6 on the road and both teams have scored in those 4 games.
Team news and Newcastle United are without Javier Manquillo who is suspended. Ciaran Clark and Karl Darlow are working their way back from COVID-19 while Isaac Hayden, Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis, and Federico Fernandez are unavailable due to injury.
Watford are missing Imran Louza, Adam Masina, and William Troost-Ekong due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Christian Kabasele, Ben Foster, Ismaïla Sarr, Nicolas N'Koulou, and Kwadwo Baah are all on the treatment table while there are doubts over the fitness of Kiko Femenia and Edo Kayembe.
This is a massive game for both teams in terms of the drop and it is difficult to pick a winner.
Newcastle and Watford have been struggling to win games and it would not be a surprise to see this one end level, with both teams scoring.