Premier League preview and odds: Watford vs Newcastle United

Published on: 21/01/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Watford vs Newcastle United

January 23, 2016 15:00pm - Vicarage Road

Premier League

Watford will be out to break a four-game winless streak in the Premier League on Saturday when they play host to bottom-three strugglers Newcastle United at Vicarage Road.

Watford need to dig their heels in

The current situation at Watford can hardly be considered a crisis. After all, the newly-promoted side are still sat comfortably in 12th place and are well on course to retain their top-flight status for another term. However, just a few weeks ago the Hertfordshire side were knocking on the door of European qualification.

A run of four straight defeats has knocked some of the confidence from Quique Sanchez Flores` team and he will be keen to get them back on track as soon as possible. They will have a great chance to do just that when they welcome relegation-threatened Newcastle to Vicarage Road this weekend.

The Hornets come into this game on the back of 1-0 defeat away to Swansea City. Prior to that they suffered another away loss (2-0) away to Southampton.

Newcastle making slow progress

Newcastle have kept themselves within striking distance of the teams above them and go into this game knowing that a win could elevate them to a position of safety in the league. Currently ranked 18th, there are just three points separating Steve McClarens men and Bournemouth in 15th place.

In their last outing, the Geordies put 6th-ranked West Ham United to the sword by two goals to one. Prior to that, they held Manchester United to a 3-3 draw at St James` Park.

Team news

The home side are without long-term absentees Rene Gilmartin and Joel Ekstrand.

Meanwhile, the Toon are still having to manage with the longest injury list in the league. Current absentees include Florian Thauvin, Siem de Jong, Vurnon Anita, Papiss Cisse, Gabriel Obertan, Steven Taylor, Curtis Good and Paul Dummett.

Recent form (League)

Watford: LLLLD

Newcastle United: WDLLL

Betting odds and tips

Watford`s recent pair of 2-1 home defeats came against two teams from the top four (Tottenham and Manchester City). Prior to that, they comfortably beat Liverpool and Norwich without reply. Newcastle have lost seven of their 10 away games this term.

The home side can be backed at 9/4 to Win to Nil with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 21/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (21/01/2016 16:53:13) but are subject to change.