Saturday 31 March 2018

Not much to choose between Watford and Bournemouth

The recent matches between Watford and Bournemouth have not seen many big wins. Last time Watford did beat the Cherries 0-2 at Dean Court at the start of the season, but there is little difference between the teams expect a goal difference of four as we head into the 32nd game of the season.
StrataBet data on Watford FC
The smart money could well be on the draw this weekend. StrataBet gives neither team a strong advantage and points towards a draw. Watford have an average of scoring 1.42 goals at home and the Cherries are averaging 1.52 goals in away games. Watford have conceded 56 goals this season at an average of 1.81 goals per game, whereas Bournemouth have let in 48 goals at an average of 1.55 goals per game.




The chances created is also very close. Watford have managed 317 chances form their games and have needed 7.93 chances to score a goal. Bournemouth have done marginally better in creating 327 chances but have not done as well at needing 8.61 chances to score a goal. So this would indicate that the Cherries are not as sharp in front of goal even though they could well create more chances.

The team selection will be intriguing for Bournemouth with injury problems for Adam Smith and Simon Francis. Howe could play Ryan Fraser at right back in a 4-4-2 system, but he could opt for three at the back and go on the attack with a 3-4-3 formation which could well suit the players he has available like Pugh and Fraser, who could play as wing backs behind a front three of Stanislas, King and Wilson. Ibe could also feature if Howe feels the three at the back can defend well enough against Watford's forward line.

If Francis is deemed fit, as has been suggested after yesterday's press conference, will Eddie Howe risk him from the start? Adam Smith's medial ligament damage looks to have ruled him out for four to six weeks.


Possible AFCB line up
AFCB Subs: Boruc, B Smith, Simpson, Surman, Fraser, Mousset, Defoe
Your chance to win a Cherry Chimes T-Shirt
Tweet your score prediction for Watford v AFCB to @CherryChimes to try and win a Cherry Chimes T-shirt. We will pick a winner form all the correct score predictions for the game. 

I'm hoping that Ray Wilkins also makes a fast recovery after being taken ill this week with a heart attack. Our thoughts are with him.

I other news, The Sun is linking Everton with a £25m move for Callum Wilson



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