Venue: Vicarage Road
Date: 09/04/2016
Kick-off: 15:00 (BST)
Match
Everton prepare to square off against Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday and anything other than a victory for the Toffees will all but end their chances of finishing in one of the European positions through the Premier League.
Everton succumbed to their third consecutive defeat in a row after losing out 1-0 against Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend and the fans are now starting to question whether manager Roberto Martinez is the right man for the job at Goodison Park heading into the future.
Martinez still seems to have the backing of the new owners but he must surely improve Everton’s fortunes on the pitch considering the wonderful squad at his disposal and the Toffees now need to finish the campaign in a strong fashion.
Up next for Everton is a clash against Watford at Vicarage Road and Everton will surely find it difficult to get back to winning ways on the day.
Everton Team News
The likes of Tony Hibbert, Darron Gibson, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar continue to struggle with injuries but Martinez does not have any fresh injury concerns to contend with ahead of the game.
Joel Robles looks set to start in goal while the defence should be occupied by the quartet of Bryan Oviedo, John Stones, Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman.
Barry returns to the fold for Everton
In midfield, Martinez will be able to welcome back Gareth Barry from suspension and the experienced campaigner should lineup alongside James McCarthy at the middle of the park.
The attacking midfield positions look set to be occupied by the trio of Gerard Deulofeu, Ross Barkley and Aaron Lennon while Romelu Lukaku will be leading the line once again for the Toffees.
Probable Lineups
Watford (Probable XI): Gomes; Ake, Cathcart, Britos, Nyom; Watson, Capoue, Behrami, Jurado, Deeney; Ighalo
Everton (Probable XI): Robles; Oviedo, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; McCarthy, Barry, Lennon, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku
Last Meeting
08/08/2015 Everton 2 – 2 Watford
24/02/2007 Watford 0 – 3 Everton
Prediction
Everton’s last defeat against Watford came way back in 1987 but not much can be taken from the stat heading into the clash as the two teams have not faced each other on too many occasions over the past 30 years.
The encounter on Saturday will be one between two good sides which are struggling to get a win in recent times. Although both Watford and Everton seemingly do not have much to play for from now till the end of the season, the match should be a keenly contested battle.
There is very little to choose between the two sides ahead of the clash and a score draw looks the most likely result at the moment.
Watford 1 – 1 Everton
