Bournemouth host Watford on Sunday in a massive Premier League six-point match. Watford are second from bottom but raising rapidly. Bournemouth, on the other hand, are sinking like a rock and sit just one point above Watford in the table.
Since Nigel Pearson took over at Vicarage Road, there has been a major uptick in results for Watford. The Hornets have lost just once in the Premier League following Pearson’s appointment.
Watford are unbeaten in four straight Premier League matches and based on their current form, should emerge from the relegation zone and save their season. The Hornets are two points from safety and a win and Aston Villa loss would propel them out of the bottom three.
EH: "We've had good battles with Watford and I imagine this game will be tight again, our motivation levels have to be higher than theirs."#afcb🍒 pic.twitter.com/hNb7uzzl77— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) January 10, 2020
EH: "We've had good battles with Watford and I imagine this game will be tight again, our motivation levels have to be higher than theirs."#afcb🍒 pic.twitter.com/hNb7uzzl77
Bournemouth are poor and manager Eddie Howe looks unlikely of turning things around. Surprisingly, there has been a lack of fans and media calling for him to be sacked.
There is no doubt injuries have devasted Bournemouth this season and eight players are currently listed as injured at Dean Court. Josh King, Jack Stacey, Arnaut Groeneveld, David Brooks and Charlie Daniels are all ruled out of the game.
Nathan Ake could be fit for the game as he will take a late fitness test. Ake is linked with a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea this month. The former has been priced out while the latter may look elsewhere before buying.
Watford have also been hit with a large number of injuries this season. Currently, 10 players are listed as injured at Vicarage Road. Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverly, Christian Kabasele, Sebastian Prodl, and Kiko Fermina are all ruled out of the fixture. Will Hughes could be back from his injury problems in time.
The Hornets have the Premier League’s second worst points total away from home. Watford have collected just six points from 30 possible. They did go away to Bramall Lane and got a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United in their last away fixture.
Bournemouth have the Premier League’s second-worst home points total. The Cherries have registered just 10 points from 30 possible at Dean Court. They are winless in four straight home games and that includes three losses.
The two clubs played out a dull nil-nil draw the last time they met this season. Hopefully, Sunday’s game will be a bit better.
Both teams should find the back of the net at Dean Court. However, expect a score draw between two relegation endangered teams and under 2.5 goals.