December 10, 2016
Watford: Gomes, Zuniga (Kabasele 90+3), Prodl, Britos, Holebas, Guedioura (Janmaat 61), Behrami, Capoue, Amrabat, Deeney, Okaka (Watson 81).
Subs not Used: Ajayi, Sinclair, Ighalo, Pantilimon.
Everton: Steklenburg, Coleman, Williams, Funes-Mori, Baines (Lennon 83), Gueye (Barkley 64), Barry, Deulofeu, McCarthy, Mirallas (Valencia 71), Lukaku.
Subs not Used: Joel, Jagielka, Cleverly, Holgate.
The last time Everton met at Watford at the Vicarage road, was a mid-season matchup at the Vicarage Road. Ronald Koeman’s boys met the Hornets, who had a chance to jump into seventh place with a win over the Blues. The first half saw a fast start for Everton, who saw Romelu Lukaku score a 17th minute opener to put the toffees up 1-0 over Watford. Okaka however, very quickly returned fire for Watford, his first of 2 goals in a brace for the hornets, making the scoreline 1-1, after getting around who else but Ashley Williams. Deeney then got a chance from close range to close out the end of the first half, but Everton got lucky, and it was 1-1 at the half.
Then, the second half started quickly for Watford, as Prodl scored from close range off a ball from Holebas, making the score 2-1 quickly into the second half. Then, moments later, Okaka headed it past Steklenburg for Watford’s 3rd, and the hornets were flying past Everton. Drama ensued as late in the second half, Romelu Lukaku headed impact sub Aaron Lennon’s cross into the net, cutting the lead to 1. Even with a late penalty appeal, Everton were not able to complete the comeback, falling 3-2 at the Vicarage road, vaulting the Hornets into 7th, and making Ronald Koeman sweat.
Saturday’s primetime matchup sees Everton 9th in the table, 2 points off 7th and an outside Europa League spot, (yes I am just as amazed as you are.) After what can only be called lightly as a poor run of form for Watford, they sit 4 points behind Everton in 11th. Everton seem to be getting Bainsey back for the tie, although Coleman looks to miss with a nagging muscle injury. Looking past a horrific road form, Everton’s Dubai training session seems to have done in immense amount of good, and I find myself supremely confident the Blues don’t just draw, but get the win in the biggest game of the season vying for European football. Tosun nets his first of the season, Siggurdson scores a beauty, and the Blues hold off Watford.
Prediction: Watford 1-2 Everton
Up the Toffees!!!!
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