The Watford experiment has worked rather well this season. They play without fear and hit teams hard for the full 90 minutes in a way that has caught many of the top sides out. With a bit more luck they would have had more points too, especially at Vicarage Road where they have already had great wins against Liverpool and West Ham.
So AFCB know they will have to be at the top of their game for this one. The match back in October that ended in a 1-1 draw was not a typical performance by the Hornets. They did not appear as devastating on the break as they have against some other teams and were probably quite thankful to get the draw. Watford have something to prove against the Cherries and that is not comfortable to know.
At home the Hornets have bagged seven goals in their last five matches, while they have only conceded five goals. Close encounters are what they specialise in and this game is likely to be no difference. It could turn on one simple mistake.
Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo may get all the goals and all the headlines, but there is a strong balance to this Watford side and much of the strength is in having committed players like Ben Watson to win the ball and Craig Cathcart at the back to clear any danger. Gomes is also enjoying life in goal and is always likely to pull out the odd wonder save or even save the odd penalty. Watford tend to feel that AFCB's players win too many such penalties so I'll be intrigued to see if there are any controversial decisions in this game.
This is a match where there will be no time on the ball. Both teams press hard to force sides into mistakes to win the ball high up the pitch. AFCB may like more possession but it is no good unless the shots at the end of it are more on target than we have seen in recent weeks. We may not see a blockbuster of a game like the last match between these two sides at Vicarage Road when Harry Arter lifted the roof of the Watford net and Cathacrt replied with a sharp volley, but a similar result would be something to be pleased about and would halt the recent run of results. I needn't say what a win would feel like!
Watford Home Form
WLLWD
AFCB Away Form
WLDDW
So AFCB know they will have to be at the top of their game for this one. The match back in October that ended in a 1-1 draw was not a typical performance by the Hornets. They did not appear as devastating on the break as they have against some other teams and were probably quite thankful to get the draw. Watford have something to prove against the Cherries and that is not comfortable to know.
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| It was honours even last time out at Dean Court. |
Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo may get all the goals and all the headlines, but there is a strong balance to this Watford side and much of the strength is in having committed players like Ben Watson to win the ball and Craig Cathcart at the back to clear any danger. Gomes is also enjoying life in goal and is always likely to pull out the odd wonder save or even save the odd penalty. Watford tend to feel that AFCB's players win too many such penalties so I'll be intrigued to see if there are any controversial decisions in this game.
This is a match where there will be no time on the ball. Both teams press hard to force sides into mistakes to win the ball high up the pitch. AFCB may like more possession but it is no good unless the shots at the end of it are more on target than we have seen in recent weeks. We may not see a blockbuster of a game like the last match between these two sides at Vicarage Road when Harry Arter lifted the roof of the Watford net and Cathacrt replied with a sharp volley, but a similar result would be something to be pleased about and would halt the recent run of results. I needn't say what a win would feel like!
Watford Home Form
WLLWD
AFCB Away Form
WLDDW
Good preview. Agree that you didn't see the best of us at your place... we were grateful for the point, that first half amongst our weakest of the season. Looking forward to Saturday. Yoorns.
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