Watford head into their last game of 2018 looking for a win over Newcastle. Both clubs lost on Boxing Day as Watford fell 2-1 to Chelsea while Newcastle were blown away by Liverpool, 4-0.
Watford’s loss to the Blues was their first defeat in four matches. The Hornets were defeated thanks to a second half penalty from Chelsea’s Eden Hazard. Manager Javi Gracia will feel his side should have at least taken a point off of the Blues. Newcastle were overrun and never in the game against Liverpool. Rafael Benitez’s team had only 24 percent possession and managed just two shots on goal.
The Magpies have only won once in their last six games. Fortunately, only three of those matches have ended in losses. Newcastle are five points above the relegation zone currently. Despite having a lack of Premier League quality talent, Benitez has got the most out of what he has got. Newcastle have scored the second fewest goals in the league (14), but their ability to prevent other teams from scoring has been their saving grace. The Magpies’ defence has allowed just 26 goals, the ninth fewest in the Premier League.
Striker Salomon Rondon is Newcastle’s leading scorer with four goals. He was dropped against Liverpool as Benitez attempted to be more defensive. Rondon should be reinserted in Newcastle’s starting XI against Watford.
The Hornets are ninth in the Premier League. They could reach as high as sixth if they can be more consistent. Just five points separate Watford and sixth place Manchester United. The Hornets are –1 in goal difference having scored just 26 goals while allowing 27. Midfielder Roberto Pereyra continues to be Watford’s dangerman. He tallied a penalty against Chelsea to bring his total for the season to six goals.
Watford have taken 15 points of 30 from games at Vicarage Road. The club has still conceded goals in droves, however. Watford have allowed 17 strikes while scoring 15 of their own. Meanwhile, Newcastle have picked up more points on the road this season than at St. James’ Park. They have tallied 10 of 27 points possible away from home, while tallying a –4-goal difference.
Despite Newcastle having the second worst scoring rate this term, there may be goals scored on Saturday. There have been more than 2.5 goals scored in Watford's last nine league home matches. In addition, Watford have been guilty of conceding two or more goals in six of their last seven games at Vicarage Road.
The good news for Gracia is his team has history on its side. Watford have won five of their last six games against Newcastle in all competitions. The Magpies only win against Watford in recent time came earlier this season in a 1-0 win at St. James’ Park.