Watford vs Wolves preview, predictions & possible XIs
Watford vs Wolves takes place at Molineux on New Year’s Day.
It’s been quite the start to Nigel Pearson’s career as Watford boss.
Having beaten Manchester United just before Christmas, the Hornets’ 3-0 victory against relegation rivals Aston Villa was made all the more satisfying by the fact they played most of the game with 10 men.
Wolves were extremely unlucky to not get anything at Liverpool despite the fact that the XI that started was almost unrecognisable from the side that beat Man City just a few days earlier. After a slow start to the season, Nuno’s men will be keeping their eyes on a Champions League spot.
This fixture invariably produces goals and, with the form they’re both in, don’t be surprised if that’s the case again on New Year’s Day.
When is Watford vs Wolves and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Vicarage Road
Date: Wednesday, 1 January 2020
Kick-off: 3:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Last five meetings: Watford vs Wolves
28 September 2019: Wolves 2-0 Watford (Premier League)
27 April 2019: Watford 1-2 Wolves (Premier League)
7 April 2019: Watford 3-2 Wolves (FA Cup)
20 October 2018: Wolves 0-2 Watford (Premier League)
7 March 2015: Wolves 2-2 Watford (Championship)
Aggregate Score: Watford (LLWWD) 8-8 Wolves (WWLLD)
Ones to watch
Watford: Troy Deeney
It is not by chance that Deeney’s return to the Watford side has coincided with their upturn in form. Having their inspirational skipper up front not only gives them a focal point but also that extra bit of fight and passion that your team needs to win a Premier League game. His brace against Aston Villa last time underlined just how important he is to his side.
Key stat: Troy Deeney has scored three of the six goals Watford have managed under Nigel Pearson.
Wolves: Adama Traore
Nuno Espirito Santo rested a host of players at Anfield with this game in mind, with Traore being one of them. He finally looks like he is fulfilling his potential this season by adding end product; he has already scored more goals this season than he has done in all of his previous Premier League seasons combined.
Key stat: Only Wilfried Zaha (166) completed more take-ons than Adama Traore (117) in the Premier League in 2019.
Team news
Watford
Adrian Mariappa is suspended following his red card against Villa. Will Hughes and Craig Cathcart are among “five or six players” who face late fitness tests.
Predicted XI: Foster; Masina, Dawson, Kabasele, Femenia; Capoue, Doucoure, Chalobah; Sarr, Deeney, Deulofeu.
Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.
Wolves
Nuno made multiple changes at Liverpool and is expected to revert back to the players used in the triumph against Man City.
Predicted XI: Patricio; Dendoncker, Coady, Saiss; Doherty, Neves, Moutinho, Jonny; Traore, Jimenez, Jota.
Squawka prediction
This fixture invariably produces goals and this one should be no different. Both sides are in good form and it will likely be tight.
