Watford are the only Premier League team without a point after three matches. Manager Javi Gracia is on the brink of being sacked and needs all three points at St. James’ Park to save his job.
Newcastle United are coming off of a strong win away at Tottenham Hotspur, 1-0, last weekend. The Magpies got some fortune as VAR didn’t give Spurs a penalty that looked stonewall. Regardless, Newcastle United were good overall and deserved their spoils.
Saturday’s match at St. James’ Park is a massive six-point match between the Magpies and Hornets. Watford are propping up the Premier League table while Newcastle United are second from bottom on three points.
Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United have scored just two points while conceding four times. The Magpies did keep a clean sheet against Tottenham Hotspur, which showed their ability to put in a defensive shift against a top team.
Watford’s attack has been nonexistent after 270 minutes of football. The Hornets have scored just one goal in three matches. Watford’s defence has struggled just as much as their attack.
The Hornets have conceded seven goals. Two of Watford’s three matches have seen them concede over 2.5 goals. Both of those matches also saw both teams score.
Newcastle United have seen two low scoring matches this season with clean sheets kept. They lost to Arsenal 1-0 before losing 3-1 to Norwich City. Their 1-0 win over Newcastle United once again showed the Magpies will be defensive against top teams.
Watford lost 1-0 at St. James’ Park last season when the two teams met in the Premier League. Their second Premier League fixture played at Vicarage Road ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Hornets are undefeated in seven of their last eight matches against Newcastle United in all competitions. However, Watford are in awful form. They will struggle against Newcastle United away on Saturday.
Bruce has 11 players listed as injured for Saturday’s crunch fixture. It isn’t anything new for the manager as Newcastle United have had a laundry list of injuries all season long.
DeAndre Yedlin, Dwight Gayle, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Andy Carroll are all ruled out. Meanwhile, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton are listed as being assessed before the fixture.
Watford’s Troy Deeney could make the team for the fixture. The striker is recovering from a knee injury. Other than Deeney, Gracia will have a full squad to select from.
Watford’s form is awful and doesn’t look like being overcome. Newcastle United will win another close match with under 2.5 goals scored.