Leeds United are back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling away from home to face Watford FC in Premier League action (3pm).
The Whites head to Vicarage Road unbeaten in their last three matches, with the draw at home to Southampton last weekend following on from the two victories against Norwich and Wolves.
Watford have won just once in their last six league outings, which was an important three point success prior to the international break, away at Southampton. The last time three points came on home turf for the Hornets was in November, a 4-1 win over Manchester United.
In terms of head to head clashes between the two, Watford have won the last two meetings at Vicarage Road. However, prior to those victories, Leeds had lost just one in eight against Saturday’s opposition away from home.
The clash at Elland Road earlier this season went the way of the Whites. Diego Llorente’s first half goal was enough to seal a vital three points and another win on Saturday would be a first league double for the Whites against Watford since the 1999/00 season.
Roy Hodgson’s side are currently 19th in the Premier League table, with 22 points from 30 games. It is possible for them to move out of the relegation zone this weekend if they win, see results go their way elsewhere, and see a large turnaround in goal difference.
A win for Leeds could see them extend the gap to the bottom three teams. Jesse Marsch’s side are in 16th spot, six points above 18th placed Burnley. Three points could see them move level with Brentford, as the season draws ever nearer to its conclusion.
The man in the middle will be Andre Marriner this weekend. The official has taken charge of 23 matches so far this season, showing 74 yellow cards and three red cards. He has overseen three Leeds matches, all losses, twice against Arsenal in league and cup, and the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in November. Both times he has taken control of Watford have been defeats as well, away at Spurs and at home to Crystal Palace.
Saturday’s match has not been selected for television coverage within the UK. Live commentary is available as always through LUTV. Alternatively, stay right here on leedsunited.com for updates throughout the match.
Manager/head coach:
Watford: Roy Hodgson
Leeds: Jesse Marsch
What has Jesse Marsch said, ahead of the match?
“I think Watford are a really disciplined group defensively. They don’t want to give much away, they stay organised and compact, sometimes defending deep, but they are aggressive and can be lethal in transition.”
League position
Watford: 19th
Leeds: 16th
Premier League form
Watford: DLLWL
Leeds: LLWWD
Top scorer
Watford: Emmanuel Dennis (9)
Leeds: Raphinha (9)
Head to head
Watford: 11
Draws: 6
Leeds: 9
A memorable moment against Watford…
Team news
Jesse Marsch has stated that he believes Joe Gelhardt will be available, after picking up a knock in Monday’s Under-23s match. Tyler Roberts, Jamie Shackleton, Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford all remain on the sidelines.
Roy Hodgson has seen Kwadwo Baah and Nicolas Nkoulou return to training this week, meaning his side have no fresh injury concerns to contend with.
Officials
Referee - Andre Marriner
Assistant Referee - Simon Long
Assistant Referee - Scott Ledger
Fourth Official - Simon Hooper
Video Assistant Referee - Mike Dean
A key battle
Juraj Kucka vs Adam Forshaw
Take a look at some key stats between two midfielders who could feature heavily for the respective side this weekend, as the Whites take on the Hornets.
Latest odds
Watford: 17/10
Draw: 5/2
Leeds: 6/4
How to watch
The match has not been selected for television broadcast coverage within the UK. Live commentary is available as always on LUTV, with blog updates throughout, on leedsunited.com.
Supporter information
Please CLICK HERE to read important supporter information provided by Watford FC, ahead of the game.
