Prediction: Watford vs Tottenham



Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: William Hill

Watford somehow managed to avoid defeat in the final game of the year, and they will be hoping to kick off 2017 with a much better performance. Spurs, on the other hand, recorded yet another impressive triumph and they arrive at Vicarage Road in high spirits.

Watford

Watford did extremely well to not only gain promotion to the Premier League, but also to avoid getting involved in the relegation tussle. The Hornets are again sitting pretty in mid table and this is looking like yet another successful season for them. New boss Walter Mazzarri has quickly adapted to the Premier League standards and he has guided the team with authority this term, although the latest injury crisis appears to have taken the wind out of their sails. The lack of options together with the hectic festive schedule is the main reason why Watford have suffered a serious dip in form, as they were quite fortunate to escape the third straight defeat. Following the 2-0 and 1-0 losses to Man City and Sunderland, the Hornets were outplayed at home by struggling Crystal Palace, but somehow managed to salvage a point as Troy Deeney scored the equaliser from the penalty spot. The Vicarage Road outfit will now play Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City in the space of just two days and manager Walter Mazzarri admits he will be forced to use some Under-23 players in lack of better options. All things considered, Watford face an uphill task against in-form Spurs.

Team News

Daryl Janmaat and Valon Behrami were the latest players to be added to the injury list that also contains Roberto Pereyra, Isaac Success, Adrian Mariappa and Stefano Okaka Chuka.

Craig Cathcart is a major doubt, whereas Miguel Britos is suspended and Ben Watson misses out due to personal reasons.



Tottenham

It is fair to say that Mauricio Pochettino has transformed Spurs into a top 4 side, but this season will show whether they are ready for more. Tottenham have so far been unable to keep up with local rivals Chelsea in what is arguably the strongest ever title race, but they are now breathing down the necks of Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool. Spurs recovered well from the narrow defeat at Old Trafford to record wins over Hull City, Burnley and Southampton, and they now have an excellent opportunity to place extra pressure on their top 4 rivals. Even with Harry Kane missing a penalty, Tottenham were able to score four goals past one of the best defences in the league, although Nathan Redmond’s red card did aid their cause a great deal. It is clear that Mauricio Pochettino’s men are playing with a great deal of confidence at the moment and this is a perfect time to be facing Watford, who are not only going through a very rough patch at the moment, but are also missing a host of first team regulars. It has to be noted that Spurs had lost three straight away matches before hammering Southampton at St Mary’s, but defeats to Chelsea, Monaco and Man Utd are unlikely to have any effect on their performance at Vicarage Road.

Team News

Mauricio Pochettino has selection worries of his own as Kyle Walker and Jan Vertonghen are banned, but Toby Alderweireld should return from illness.

Key Factors to Consider

• Spurs are on a three-match winning run
• Watford picked up one point from last three games
• The Hornets are missing eight first team players
• Spurs won last six meetings with Watford
• Tottenham won last four games at Vicarage Road

Conclusion

Watford have suffered a major dip in form, which is not that surprising given the number of important players unavailable for selection and that is something that in-form Tottenham will know how to exploit. Spurs have been quite impressive of late and we expect their winning streak to continue at Vicarage Road.

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: William Hill