Bournemouth vs Watford preview, predictions & possible XIs
It’s a relegation six-pointer at the Vitality Stadium this weekend as Bournemouth take on Watford.
Both these sides are currently on differing trajectories, with Nigel Pearson turning Watford’s form around and Eddie Howe overseeing a worrying decline with Bournemouth.
As such, each manager will be hoping to pick up maximum points in some crucial fixtures over the coming weeks in order to pull away from the danger zone.
Read on for our preview, predictions, key players, TV info, possible XIs and more.
When is Bournemouth vs Watford and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Vitality Stadium
Date: Sunday, 12 January 2020
Kick-off: 2:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
Last five meetings: Bournemouth vs Watford
26 October 2019: Watford 0-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)
02 January 2019: Bournemouth 3-3 Watford (Premier League)
06 October 2018: Watford 0-4 Bournemouth (Premier League)
31 March 2018: Watford 2-2 Bournemouth (Premier League)
19 August 2017: Bournemouth 0-2 Watford (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Bournemouth (DDWDL) 9-7 Watford (DDLDW)
Ones to watch
Bournemouth: Callum Wilson
Wilson has scored five goals in 20 Premier League games so far this season. In the final few months before Euro 2020, it’s now vital that the striker starts adding to his tally in order to convince Gareth Southgate he is capable of being Harry Kane’s deputy this summer. Wilson is currently losing that battle to Tammy Abraham, so he needs to be more clinical in front of goal.
Key stat: Only Harry Wilson (13) has registered more shots on target than Callum Wilson (11) in the Premier League for Bournemouth this term.
Watford: Abdoulaye Doucoure
The form of Abdoulaye Doucoure will be crucial if Pearson is to truly turn around the fortunes of his Watford side. In a game that could be won in midfield, Doucoure will have to win his battles against the likes of Philip Billing and Jefferson Lerma – tough, combative midfielders – if Watford are to stand a chance at the Vitality.
Key stat: Doucoure has made more tackles (42) than any other Watford player in the Premier League this season.
Team news
Bournemouth
Josh King, Adam Smith, David Brooks, Nathan Ake, Charlie Daniels, Lloyd Kelly, Jack Stacey and Arnaut Groeneveld are all sidelined with injuries. Philip Billing is likely to return to the Premier League XI after scoring twice against Luton Town in the FA Cup as Howe prepares to make late calls.
Predicted XI: Ramsdale; Francis, Cook, Mepham, Diego Rico; H Wilson, Billing, Lerma, Fraser; Solanke, C Wilson.
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Watford
Will Hughes is a doubt having missed the last two games with a hip injury. In more positive news, the red card Roberto Pereyra picked up against Tranmere has been rescinded meaning he will be available for selection.
Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, Daryl Janmaat and Sebastian Prodl all remain out injured for Watford, while Christian Kabasele picked up a red card on New Year’s Day and will serve out the second of his two-game suspension on Sunday.
Predicted XI: Foster; Mariappa, Dawson, Cathcart, Holebas; Capoue, Doucoure; Pereyra, Sarr, Deulofeu; Deeney.
Squawka prediction
Bournemouth will have revived a bit of their confidence after thrashing Luton in the FA Cup, but Watford will be determined to tighten up after shipping in three goals against Tranmere. It all makes for an edgy contest in which the sides may not be separated.
