Predicted Watford line-up to face a substantially weakened Spurs side
Watford will be looking to try and steal a point away from the Wembley when they travel north to face Tottenham on Thursday night.
While they’re on the back of a goalless draw with Burnley in the league, they did beat a weakened Newcastle side in the FA Cup 4th round tie.
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Kiko Femenia and Sebastian Prodl are still unavailable for selection as they’re still nursing leg injuries and aren’t expected back until later.
Like the in the previous game against Newcastle, Abdoulaye Doucoure isn’t expected to be ready on time for this one either.
Probable Watford XI
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Manager: Javi Gracia
GK – Ben Foster
Has clearly set himself as the first choice at Vicarage Road and without Harry Kane or Dele Alli to deal with, he could have a relatively quieter night than usual.
RB – Daryl Janmaat
With Kiko Femenia out with a long-term injury to his hamstring, expect the Dutchman to start ahead of Marc Navarro.
RCB – Christian Kabasele
Arguably Watford’s best centre-half, Kabasele will be crucial to keeping the likes of Fernando Llorente and Lucas Moura at bay on Wednesday.
LCB – Adrian Mariappa
Craig Cathcart played at the weekend against Newcastle after just returning from injury. Expect him to be rested and for the Premier League game.
LB – Jose Holebas
Having scored some magical goals over the course of the season, Holebas has become the unassailable right-back at Watford and that isn’t going to change for this fixture.
RCM – Tom Cleverly
Has impressed since returning from injury a couple of weeks ago and is expected to keep his place in the Premier League starting XI even if it is only temporary.
LCM – Etienne Capoue
The veteran has been Gracia’s commander in the midfield this season and will be crucial in bringing the attackers into this game.
RAM – Ken Sema
Has been exceptional since making the starting role his own. The perfect player to partner Roberto Pereyra in the midfield given his amazing defensive work rate as well.
LAM – Roberto Pereyra
By far the most lethal player in this squad, Pereyra will have the opportunity to rip Spurs apart considering that they are an extremely weakened side that lost to Crystal Palace at the weekend.
RF – Gerard Deulofeu
The former Barcelona and Everton man is an adept dribbler and his quick movement and runs will be extremely crucial in breaking down this Spurs defence.
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LF – Troy Deeney
A talismanic presence up-front, he will be tasked with holding the ball up to bring his quicker teammates into play.
