Prediction: Tottenham vs Watford



Verdict: Spurs/Spurs

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: bet365

Tottenham remained in the Premier League title hunt thanks to three late goals scored against Swansea City and they now aim to place extra pressure on leaders Chelsea by winning the first match of Saturday’s programme. Watford, on the other hand, all but secured survival by defeating West Bromwich at Vicarage Road, but they will have bigger fish to fry this weekend.

Tottenham

Before the season started, many believed that Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool were more serious title contenders than Tottenham Hotspur, but with just eight games to go, Spurs are the only side capable of upsetting short-odds favourites Chelsea. Harry Kane’s injury was also expected to derail the team’s title bid, but Spurs instead showed a great deal of character, winning all three Premier League matches since the England star got injured. The last of those was pretty nerve-wracking, as Mauricio Pochettino’s men were 1-0 down in the 88th minute, but somehow managed to score three late goals, extending their winning run to six games in all competitions.The win not only ensured they remained seven steps behind Chelsea, but also virtually clinched Champions League qualification, and it is also important to note that Spurs have a pretty easy fixture list between now and the end of the campaign, with a trip to London Stadium and home games vs Arsenal and Man Utd the only potential landmines. But, speaking of the Watford clash, the hosts enter the match in excellent spirits and we are backing them to enjoy a comfortable win.

Team News

Mauricio Pochettino could field an unchanged side as the likes of Kane, Lamela, Rose, Wanyama and Winks remain in the infirmary.



Watford

Watford are slowly establishing themselves as a genuine top table side and the team have done really well under former Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri. The Hornets have all but secured Premier League survival with eight games to go, but chances are they will rather be vying for top table positions. Watford recovered well from a recent slump in form that saw them pick up just one point from four Premier League fixtures, as back to back home wins over Sunderland and West Bromwich seriously eased the pressure on the side. What is more, the Hornets didn’t concede a single goal in said games, despite playing with ten men for 30 minutes against the Baggies. Manager Walter Mazzarri was certainly happy to see main attacking outlets Troy Deeney and M’Baye Niang both produce a goal and assist in the midweek clash, and the duo will be looking to make life difficult for Spurs defenders as well. It has to be noted though that Watford haven’t been too impressive on the road, while they have lost last seven matches vs Tottenham Hotspur.

Team News

Craig Cathcart will move to the heart of defence to replace the suspended Miguel Britos, whereas Daryl Janmaat will take his place on the right hand side.

Key Factors to Consider

• Spurs won last seven matches vs Watford
• They also won last four home games against the Hornets
• Tottenham are on a six-match winning run
• Watford lost 8 of 14 away matches in the current campaign (W3 D3)
• Spurs won 14 of last 15 home games (D1)

Conclusion

Tottenham Hotspur are flying high at the moment and taking account their excellent home form and a seven-match winning run in meetings with Watford, we fully expect Spurs to record a comfortable triumph, especially considering that the Hornets tend to struggle on the road.

Verdict: Spurs/Spurs

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: bet365