Predicted Watford Line-up To Face Brighton and Hove Albion In The Premier League
A very sombre Watford team travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, looking for a miraculous victory after losing their last 3 games. They lost against Burnley, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town – all after making a very strong and promising start to the new Premier League season. In fact, the Hornets are now at 10th place even though a few weeks back they were being touted to achieve a top-six finish. From rubbing shoulders with the Premier League big boys to dropping to the mid-table area, Watford have been on quite a roller-coaster.
However, against Brighton, they will have a chance at redemption and Marco Silva will be hoping his players muster some of their old energy to pull off a much-needed win.
Team News
Watford will have to do without Troy Deeney’s services after the skipper received a red card in their game against Huddersfield for a tackle on Collin Quaner. Meanwhile, Marvin Zeegelaar and Abdoulaye Doucouré will also serve suspensions against Brighton.
The suspensions come on top of the growing number of injury concerns the Hornets face, which include Miguel Britos (bruised foot) and Issac Success (foot) who are doubts for Saturday’s match. Kiko Femenia, Will Hughes (both hamstring), Stefano Okaka (calf), Nathaniel Chalobah, Craig Cathcart and Tommie Hoban (all knee) all remain sidelined.
Probable Watford XI
Formation: 3-5-2
Manager: Marco Silva
Heurelho Gomes (GK)
Although he has been quite solid for the Hornets so far, Gomes has shipped in a whopping 8 goals in their last 4 matches. However, Gomes’ experience remains unmatched and he is likely to start on Saturday.
Adrien Mariappa (CB)
After a few encouraging displays, he slipped up terribly in their last game against Huddersfield. However, with the already-depleted squad, Silva is expected to hand him a starting spot at the back.
Sebastien Prodl (CB)
Prodl looked like the best out of the back three against Huddersfield and he is a calm and collected presence known for working wonders. Watford will need him against Brighton to tighten up their defence.
Christian Kabasele (CB)
He has seemed shaky as part of a three-man backline but Kabasele will have to refine himself to look stronger against Brighton. Prodl and Mariappa provide ample support for him and it is up to Kabasele to make the most of it if he starts against Brighton.
Daryl Janmaat (RWB)
Janmaat established some control on the right and considering how Silva is short of options, it is possible that the manager would turn to Janmaat once more.
Jose Holebas (LWB)
The left-hand side was a tragedy against Huddersfield and Holebas was the one to blame. However, if he starts on Saturday, the player is likely to reign himself in to provide better support and keep Brighton attackers at bay.
Etienne Capoue (CM)
After missing out on a lot of action, he has made a foray back into the team and he has been a bit inconsistent. However, he does not lack potential and Silva will hope the player puts up a more convincing display against Brighton.
Roberto Pereyra (CAM)
The youngster could receive a massive opportunity to play against Brighton in Doucoure’s absence. There is no doubt that the Hornets will miss the player but Pereyra is yet to make an impact and this could be his time to shine.
Tom Cleverley (CM)
Cleverley will be back in the squad after missing out on the game against Huddersfield and his experienced presence in the middle will be crucial to hold the team together.
Richarlison (CF)
The Brazilian has impressed for Watford on several occasions and Silva will count on him to get an early goal or two on Saturday, to turn the pressure upon the hosts.
Andre Gray (CF)
With Deeney out, Gray is likely to be handed a start by Silva. His pace will prove to be important and if he can establish a strong partnership with Richarlison, he could do a lot better.