There are three matches to be played at the traditional time of 3pm on Saturday in the English Premier League including the meeting between Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The game will take place at Vicarage Road and the hosts begin the weekend in 19th place on 15 points while the visitors are in the top half of the table on 30 points.
Putting in that hard work. 💪@BenFoster 🧤 pic.twitter.com/3QiU8M92EM— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) February 10, 2022
Putting in that hard work. 💪@BenFoster 🧤 pic.twitter.com/3QiU8M92EM
Watford come into the match having lost 1-0 at top four chasing West Ham United on Tuesday night. It was clear what The Hornets were trying to achieve in the game as they attempted to frustrate West Ham and nick a goal on the counterattack.
They did the first part of the plan well for the most part but could not prevent West Ham making the breakthrough in the 68th minute. As soon as West Ham scored, it was always going to be difficult for Watford to change their approach.
That result means Watford have failed to win any of their last 11 matches in all competitions. They have lost 8 of their 10 most recent Premier League fixtures including all their last 5 home league games.
Trends show Watford have conceded 2 or more goals in 4 of their last 5 home Premier League matches. They have failed to score more than a single goal in 9 of their last 10 league fixtures on home soil.
Brighton & Hove Albion make the trip to Vicarage Road having previously suffered a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup. Brighton did not have a league game in midweek as they were due to face Chelsea who have travelled to participate in the World Club Cup.
The result against Spurs means Brighton have failed to win any of their 4 most recent games in all competitions. They have been held to a draw in each of their last 3 Premier League matches, picking up a point against Crystal Palace and Chelsea at home plus Leicester City away.
Brighton have been difficult to beat in recent Premier League games and they have lost only 1 of their last 10 in the league. Away league form shows Brighton are undefeated in their last 5 but they have drawn 4 of those 5 games on the road.
Looking ahead to the team news and Watford should have Ismaïla Sarr back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Nicolas N'Koulou and Kwadwo Baah are injured and there are doubts over the fitness of Oghenekaro Etebo.
Brighton are without the injured Jeremy Sarmiento and there are doubts over Moisés Caicedo and Enoch Mwepu.
Watford are in desperate need of wins but it is going to be tough against a well-drilled Brighton team. The Seagulls will be fresh having not played in midweek and could take maximum points with a clean sheet.