Watford will be eyeing a swift recovery when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Monday in the Premier League.
The Hornets have been shambolic in recent weeks, having tasted four defeats in the last five league matches and will hope to gather a bit of momentum ahead of the busy festive period.
Watford team news
Gracia could miss out on the services of two of his most important midfielders on Monday. Etienne Capoue is still suspended while Will Hughes’ hip injury might keep out of the starting lineup against Everton.
Adalberto Penaranda is also doubtful, due to a foot injury.
Predicted Watford lineup vs Everton
Defence
Kiko Femenia is likely to retain his place in the right-back position. Jose Holebas will be deployed on the left, but might have a tough time dealing with the threat of Ademola Lookman.
Craig Cathcart and Christian Kabasele will start in central defence for Watford on Monday. Both the defenders have formed a rather impressive chemistry at the back this season and their performance will be crucial, especially against an attacking side like Everton.
Ben Foster will start in goal and will look for his fourth clean sheet of the campaign. Foster was excellent against Manchester City in the last game but was let down by his defence in the end.
Midfield
Capoue’s absence will be a huge blow for Gracia but it will also pave the way for Nathaniel Chalobah to start in the defensive midfield slots along with Abdoulaye Doucoure. Chalobah has started only twice this season and it will certainly be a difficult task for him to deputise for the suspended Capoue.
Doucoure, on the other hand, will play a key role going forward, having already attempted 21 shots on goal so far. His mobility and dynamism in the middle of the park might just hand Watford the edge, but it remains to be seen how he performs against the ever-improving Everton midfield.
Attack
Domingos Quina is expected to deputise for Hughes, who is a doubt against the Toffees. Quina will be deployed alongside Roberto Pereyra in the attacking midfield role.
Pereyra will definitely be the danger man for the Hornets, having attempted more shots than anyone else in the team whilst scoring five goals, making him the most important player for Watford going forward.
Troy Deeney will lead the attack along with former Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu, who will be keen to outperform former teammate Richarlison on Monday.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
