MX23RW : Friday, March 29 07:42:10| >> :60:3402:3402:
[monks data]
Attendance: 40,867
Aston Villa logo
Premier League | Gameweek 24
Jan 21, 2020 at 7.30pm UK
 
Watford logo

2-1

Luiz (68'), Mings (95')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Deeney (38')

Preview: Aston Villa vs. Watford - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole provides team news, predicted lineups and a full preview of Tuesday's Premier League showdown between Aston Villa and Watford.

Aston Villa and Watford square off in the West Midlands on Tuesday night with just one point separating the clubs in the Premier League table.

The Hornets, on the back of a six-match unbeaten streak, will remain outside of the relegation zone if they avoid defeat.


Match preview

Watford manager Nigel Pearson pictured on January 12, 2020© Reuters

Such has been Watford's recent progression that there would have been disappointment after only recording a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

However, given that it was a contest which either side could have won, Nigel Pearson would have felt a sense of relief that his players were able to extend their excellent run of form.

While an FA Cup replay with Tranmere Rovers on Thursday night complicates matters, Pearson will demand that his players are fully focused on gaining what could eventually turn out to be a pivotal result come the end of the season.

The reverse fixture will also be fresh in the mind of both clubs, with Watford registering a 3-0 triumph with relative ease at Vicarage Road on December 28.

On that occasion, Troy Deeney played an instrumental part, scoring a double and bullying the Villa backline, and the Birmingham-born frontman will be motivated to heap more misery on the rivals of his boyhood club.

From Villa's perspective, they made the headlines for the wrong reasons when they suffered a one-sided 6-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City last week, who arguably should have won by an even wider margin.

However, at a time when his team are still short of firepower, Dean Smith would have been hugely impressed with his team's spirit in claiming a share of the spoils at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Despite the result not being enough to keep Villa out of the relegation zone, they at least ensured that they only remain three points adrift of 14th position, highlighting the competitiveness of the lower regions of the standings.

Jack Grealish took his tally to seven goals and five assists for the season at the Amex Stadium, and Smith may feel that the playmaker needs to produce another inspirational performance on Tuesday night in order to earn a result.

Aston Villa Premier League form: LWLWLD
Aston Villa form (all competitions): LWLDLD

Watford Premier League form: WDWWWD
Watford form (all competitions): DWWDWD


Team News

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith on December 14, 2019© Reuters

Despite the short recovery period, Smith is unlikely to make many changes to Villa's starting lineup.

The most likely switch is in midfield, where Danny Drinkwater could be replaced by either Douglas Luiz or Conor Hourihane.

Providing that no striker is signed before Monday's deadline, Trezeguet, Anwar El Ghazi and Grealish should form a front three.

Having suffered a hamstring injury against Spurs, Ismaila Sarr will miss out for Watford, which should lead to a start for Roberto Pereyra.

However, the rest of the team could stay the same, with Christian Kabasele having to make do with a spot among the replacements.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Reina; Konsa, Mings, Hause; Guilbert, Luiz, Nakamba, Targett; Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Grealish

Watford possible starting lineup:
Foster; Mariappa, Dawson, Cathcart, Masina; Chalobah, Capoue; Pereyra, Doucoure, Deulofeu; Deeney


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Aston Villa 1-3 Watford

While Villa are capable of raising their game in front of their own supporters, we cannot back against Watford, who are currently showing everything required to get themselves out of a relegation scrap. As well as their confidence in attack, the Hornets also have the potential to overpower their hosts.



ID:386527: cacheID:386527:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7599:

Data Analysis

Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a win with a probability of 49.3%. A win for had a probability of 27.85% and a draw had a probability of 22.8%.

The most likely scoreline for a win was 2-1 with a probability of 9.46%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 1-0 (7.8%) and 2-0 (7.14%). The likeliest win was 1-2 (6.85%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (10.34%).


Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith on December 28, 2019
Read Next:
Dean Smith admits questioning Villa players' commitment
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!