Thursday, March 28, 2024

Prediction: Watford vs Everton

Verdict: Everton win & under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to extend on what has been a recent boost in their charge for survival, Everton will make the trip to Vicarage Road on Wednesday night for a must-win showdown.

Watford

Starting with the hosts, last seen over the weekend putting in a toothless display away at Selhurst Park, Watford also saw their immediate relegation to the Championship confirmed with time to spare. Eventually hit with a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, Roy Hodgson has really failed to offer any kind of boost since arriving at Vicarage Road. Appearing to limp their way over the finish line, the one-time England boss has seen his side lose eight of their last nine Premier League matchups. Likewise, along with losing each of their last six top-flight outings on the spin, a run that stems all the way back to March 13th, Watford have also broken a string of unwanted records for their continued issues on home soil. Last seen in front of their own supporters getting hit with that late 2-1 defeat against relegation rivals Burnley, it should be noted that Wednesday’s hosts have remarkably lost each of their last 11 straight fixtures at Vicarage Road.

Team News

After being shown a pair of bookings against Crystal Palace over the weekend, full-back Hassane Kamara will miss out here as he serves a one-match suspension.

Likewise, both limping off at Selhurst Park, the duo of Tom Cleverley and Samir look set to also miss out here.

Everton

As for the visitors, while Everton might still find themselves firmly at the heart of their own relegation scrap, there is no doubt that the mood in their camp is at the highest it has been in recent times. Stunning former European champions Chelsea at Goodison Park when opening May with a 1-0 victory, Frank Lampard’s men managed to keep up that momentum last weekend. Putting in another gritty display as they landed a 2-1 win away at Leicester, the one-time Derby boss has seen his side skyrocket their way out of the bottom-three. Likewise, along with another shock victory against a downbeat Manchester United on April 4th, it should be noted that the Blues have lost just one of their last five Premier League contests. With that sole defeat coming against title contenders and bitter local rivals Liverpool last month, Lampard’s side should rightfully be smelling a golden chance when they make the trip to Vicarage Road on Wednesday night.

Team News

Both limping off against Leicester over the weekend, Everton are sweating over the fitness of Vitaliy Mykolenko and Yerry Mina.

Likewise, the quartet of Donny van de Beek, Ben Godfrey, Nathan Patterson and Andros Townsend will all miss out here.

Key Factors to Consider

    • When the two sides faced off at Goodison Park back on October 23rd, Watford picked up a stunning 5-2 win.
    • However, including six straight Premier League defeats, Watford have also lost eight of their last nine top-flight contests.
    • Likewise, the Hornets have remarkably lost each of their last 11 straight contests at Vicarage Road.
    • Including a 1-0 victory against Chelsea, Everton have picked up back-to-back Premier League wins.
    • Wednesday’s guests have also lost just one of their last five top-flight fixtures.

    Conclusion

    While Everton might have been hit with that stunning 5-2 defeat when they welcomed Watford to Vicarage Road back in October, there is no doubt that Lampard’s side should be smelling a golden chance here. Clinching back-to-back Premier League victories, including a 1-0 win against Chelsea on May 1st, Wednesday’s guests have skyrocketed their way out of the drop zone. Suffering just a single loss in their previous five top-flight outings, the Blues will be looking to cash in on a Watford side who now officially have nothing left to play for. Suffering a 1-0 defeat away at Crystal Palace a few days ago, the midweek hosts have now lost each of their last six Premier League contests. Likewise, remarkably failing to pick up a single point on home soil since that 4-1 win against Manchester United in November, we’re backing an away victory for Everton here.

    Verdict: Everton win & under 3.5 goals

    Best Odds: 13/8

    Bookmaker: Unibet

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Tom Dunstan


    Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
    Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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