The Game-Week 26 of the Premier League will kick off on Saturday, featuring Aston Villa taking on Watford on 19th February at 8:30 PM IST. The fixture will take place at the Villa Park and hence, will be an away game for the Hornets.
Aston Villa are currently sitting 12th in the PL, drawn on points with former winners Leicester City. The Lions are coming from a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United last week. Manager Steven Gerrard is likely to have all his attacking players and hence, would look forward to being on the front foot throughout.
Aston Villa Premier League Form: L D W D L
On the other hand, Watford are sitting 19th in the table and are coming from a heavy 2-0 defeat against Brighton. Manager Roy Hodgson has not yet secured a victory after taking over at the Hornets. A victory at the Villa Park is much needed for the manager to establish himself at a club who are infamous for sacking managers in an instant.
Watford Premier League Form: D L D L L
Team News
Aston Villa vs Watford: The Villans’ team news and injury updates:
The Villans will be without Ezri Konsa, who is facing suspension since the game against Leeds. Bertrand Traore and Marvelous Nakamba remain sidelined with hamstring and knee injuries respectively.
Morgan Sanson could be in contention to start ahead of either Douglas Luiz or John McGinn. Ollie Watkins could make his way to the bench as a result of his current poor form and a six-game goal drought. Hence, Danny Ings is likely to take up the no.9 position.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Chambers, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Sanson, Ramsey; Buendia, Ings, Coutinho
Aston Villa vs Watford: The Hornets’ team news and injury updates:
The Hornets will be without Peter Etebo, Nicolas Nkoulou, Rob Elliott, and Kwadwo Baah due to injuries.
AFCON winner Ismaila Sarr will return to the first XI, with Juraj Kucka making way to the bench. Youngster Joao Pedro is likely to replace Josh King or Emmanuel Dennis in the forward line. Meanwhile, Hassane Kamara and Edo Kayembe are likely to keep their place at left-back and center-midfield respectively.
Watford Predicted Lineup:
Foster; Femenia, Cathcart, Samir, Kamara; Sissoko, Kayembe, Cleverley; Sarr, King, Dennis
Our score predictions: Aston Villa 2-1 Watford
The Lions will be on the front foot right from the start as they would look to trouble the visitors’ backline. However, youth stars Sarr and Pedro will be looking forward to making life difficult for the shaky Villa defenders.
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