Hornets to pull away from drop in the capital
David Moyes and Nigel Pearson face off on Friday evening with the chance to take a huge step towards Premier League safety and completing their respective rescue missions. Both sides were victorious last time out, bolstering their survival hopes, with the results made more crucial with Aston Villa and Bournemouth also winning. It is a very evenly matched encounter with both teams sitting three points above the drop zone, desperate to save themselves future stress with just two fixtures remaining upon this one’s conclusion. West Ham United are favourites but Watford come into it having won their last two, should be a tight contest.
Background
Watford have conceded the opener in all of their last seven games, such that they cannot afford to continue. Particularly due to their lack of creativity in attack, being fortunate to beat Newcastle United thanks to two penalties last time out. Before that match they had only scored four times in five outings, with Craig Dawson and an own goal equating for three quarters of those strikes. They have also lost their last four games on their travels without troubling the scorers. All pointing in the direction of the Hammers. The hosts will have good memories of the reverse fixture, a 3-1 victory in August, however both sides have made changes in the dugouts since then so it should have little bearing on proceedings.
Ones to watch
January signing Tomas Soucek has been a key figure in turning the Hammers’ poor form around, dangerous at set pieces the Czech Republic international scored in back to back games against Chelsea and Newcastle at the start of this month. The 25-year-old joined the Londoners having impressed in the Champions League with Slavia Prague and has had a strong influence from the centre of the park. Often deployed alongside Mark Noble in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Czech is averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game. He will be crucial in dealing with the physical threat of the likes of Etienne Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure in the middle for the Hornets.
Michail Antonio registered his first ever career hattrick against the Canaries last time out, notching a fourth for good measure. The versatile forward had been struggling to make his own of the number nine role, but that performance will give him and his gaffer an important confidence boost going into another massive game.
Watford need it more with the Hammers all but safe, they have good memories of trips to the London Stadium to call upon for inspiration.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Alarm bells ringing for the Hornets, West Ham led 3-0 at the break and held on to win 3-1. The aforementioned Michail Antonio and Tomas Soucek grabbed the first two goals.