Preview: Watford vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups

Wolverhampton Wanderers face Watford at Vicarage Road on New Year's Day less than 72 hours after narrowly losing out to leaders Liverpool at Anfield.

As for the Hornets, they have had an extra day's rest on the back of comfortably overcoming relegation rivals Aston Villa at the weekend.

Match preview

After yet another VAR decision went against his side against Liverpool, Nuno Espirito Santo cut a frustrated figure both during and after the narrow defeat against the division's top side.

However, despite the natural disappointment, Nuno will take pride from how his side performed on Merseyside, less than 48 hours after overturning a two-goal deficit to get the better of Manchester City.

Having to face the division's two highest-quality sides in an unprecedented short amount of time was equally as harsh as the marginal offside call which denied Pedro Neto a well-taken equaliser in front of the Kop on Sunday.

Nevertheless, three points from those two games is more than what the majority of the most level-headed of supporters would have expected, and more positives than negatives will be spoken of ahead of the visit to Hertfordshire.

The biggest task on Nuno's hands is to maintain the energy levels in his small squad and despite the opportunity to move back into the top six, changes will be considered necessary on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Watford head into the contest with the adrenaline running high after yet another improved performance and result since the arrival of Nigel Pearson.

On the back of four points being recorded from meetings with Manchester United and Sheffield United, the Hornets efficiently defeated Villa by a 3-0 scoreline at the weekend.

While the recent upturn in results has not been enough to get the club out of the bottom three, it has put Pearson's side to within touching distance of 17th place, something which has not been the case in several months.

Pearson's appointment is currently proving to be a masterstroke, although the return of Troy Deeney from injury and the improvement of Ismaila Sarr have been equally crucial, with the pair contributing five goals between them from three outings.

Watford Premier League form: DLDWDW

Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League form: WDLWWL Wolverhampton Wanderers form (all competitions): DWLWWL

Team News

After being partially rested against Liverpool, Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez will return to the Wolves starting lineup.

The same applies to Romain Saiss, although Nuno must decide whether to use the Moroccan in defence or midfield with Joao Moutinho due a rest.

Matt Doherty should also play at right wing-back, with either Jonny or Ruben Vinagre being used on the opposite flank.

Pearson must make at least two changes with Adrian Mariappa serving a one-match ban for his two yellow cards against Villa and Will Hughes absent through injury.

While Craig Dawson or Adam Masina will come into the defence, Nathaniel Chalobah should replace Hughes in midfield.

Watford possible starting lineup: Foster; Femenia, Kabasele, Cathcart, Masina; Capoue, Chalobah; Sarr, Doucoure, Deulofeu; Deeney

Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup: Patricio; Bennett, Coady, Saiss; Doherty, Dendoncker, Neves, Jonny; Traore, Jota, Jimenez

We say: Watford 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

While Wolves have impressed against the two biggest clubs in the division, we feel that their efforts in those games will take its toll here. Watford have, so far, been excellent under Pearson, and we are backing the home side to secure another crucial victory.