Prediction: Newcastle vs Watford

Prediction: Watford win

Best Odds: 11/8

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is away for the weekend, and in its place we have the fourth round of the FA Cup. This is often considered by many to be the final round before things really start to get serious, as we’re just one step away from narrowing it down to the final sixteen. There are many high profile clubs remaining at this stage of the competition which isn’t exactly going to come as much of a shock, although there are still sides who will harbour realistic hopes of being dark horses – such as Newcastle and Watford.

Newcastle

Newcastle fans don’t really know what to make of this season, aside from the usual complaints about Mike Ashley. Rafa Benitez’s future at the club seems a little bit uncertain, and yet, there’s still so much intrigue surrounding what they could do if they had a financial injection of some kind. We all know that they tend to be more focused on what’s going on off the pitch instead of on, and it’s kind of hard not to be. Still, a fairytale run to Wembley certainly wouldn’t be frowned upon.

Team News

Ki Sung-yueng is injured and won’t feature with Darlow, Diame, Shelvey, Dummett, Kenedy and Fernandez all being game day decisions due to injury.

Watford

Watford are having their best season in a long time, and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to end anytime soon. They’ve got a strong core within their squad to go alongside a manager with lofty ambitions, and that’s not exactly the worst combination in the world. The FA Cup has been kind to them over the years and given that they’re the type of team who can beat literally anyone on their day, they’ll fancy their chances of a trip to the final if they can get past Benitez’s side.

Team News

Prodl is out of action with Cathcart, Doucoure, Femenia and Hughes all carrying niggles. Gracia is expected to make some notable changes in this one, potentially resting players in favour of the Premier League.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
• Newcastle have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Watford have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• Newcastle lead the overall head to head standings 16-14 with 14 draws.
• In their last game back in December, the two sides drew 1-1.

Conclusion

These are two teams that are considered to be in pretty close proximity with one another, but in this game, we don’t think it’s going to be close. Watford are the kind of team that can spring a magnificent result on you from anywhere, whereas the Magpies are notoriously bad in cup football. We can see the Hornets establishing their dominance early on in the game before going for the kill in the second half, likely winning by a few goals in the process.

Prediction: Watford win

Best Odds: 11/8

Bookmaker: bet365