Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford meet in a Premier League six-point affair on Saturday. The winner could emerge from the relegation zone and finally kickstart their Premier League season.
The two clubs are at the bottom of the table with just two points separating them. Watford are at the foot of the Premier League with two points from 18 possible. The Hornets were swatted last weekend in 8-0 by Manchester City and fly into Molineaux on broken wings.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a frustrating start but their issues are down to the Europa League. Wolves have played more matches in all competitions than any Premier League team thus far. Like Watford, they are aiming for their first league victory of the season.
Away matches have not been kind to Watford this term. They have lost twice on their travels while picking up one draw away to Newcastle United.
Wolves have collected two points from nine at Molineaux Stadium. Their last home match, however, ended in a 5-2 shootout with Chelsea.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team competed in the Carabao Cup in midweek. Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a win via penalties after a 1-1 draw with Reading after 90 minutes. Wolves had cruised through the tie before allowing a second-half stoppage-time goal to Reading.
Wolverhampton Wanderers prevailed on spot kicks with Santo playing a squad mixed with first-team regulars and back up players. He was able to give Rui Patricio, Raul Jimenez, and Joao Moutinho vital rest. Physical and mental fatigue is the biggest issue with Wolverhampton Wanderers players.
Quique Sanchez Flores goes into his third match in charge of Watford. He led Watford to a 2-1 Carabao Cup win against EFL Championship team Swansea City in midweek. Flores has collected a 1W-1D-1L record since assuming the manager’s position at Vicarage Road.
The two teams played three times in all competitions last term. Watford secured a 2-0 win at Molineaux in their first encounter while Wolves exacted revenge at Vicarage Road 2-1 in the second half of the season.
Watford came from behind in the teams’ FA Cup semifinal match at Wembley in April to draw the fixture 2-2 after 90 minutes. The Hornets went on to win with a goal in extra-time.
Santo has no new injury issues; however, fatigue could be a factor. The Wolves manager could rotate some of his players including Patrick Cutrone and Ruben Neves who played in midweek.
Watford are without Troy Deeney and Isaac Success due to injury. Meanwhile, Craig Cathcart could return to Flores’ team for the huge six-point match.
Both teams desperately need a victory on Saturday, yet a win will be out of both their reaches. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford are set for another draw with over 2.5 goals going into the goals. It will be an entertaining match for neutrals to watch.