Watford’s Quique Sánchez Flores has backed the choice of his counterpart at Aston Villa, Rémi Garde, to drop Jack Grealish, saying he “understands” the decision. It remains to be seen whether the banishment of Grealish, one of the brightest prospects in a struggling side, will serve to galvanise the youngster but Watford will surely be glad he is absent for such a crucial game near the foot of the table. Rich Flower
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue Villa Park
Last season n/a
Referee L Mason
This season G6, Y18, R1, 6.33 cards per game
Odds H 7-4 A 19-10 D 9-4
Aston Villa
Subs from Bunn, Bacuna, Lescott, Crespo, Sinclair, Gana Gueye, N’Zogbia, Agbonlahor, Traoré, Kozak, Okore
Doubtful Agbonlahor (calf)
Injured Amani (knee, unknown), Gardner (ankle, unknown)
Suspended None
Form LLLLDL
Discipline Y23 R0
Leading scorer Gestede 3
Watford
Subs from Arlauskis, Jurado, Oularé, Paredes, Guedioura, Ibarbo, Behrami, Diamanti, Holebas, Dyer, Belkalem, Berghuis
Doubtful Behrami (knee)
Injured Prödl (calf, 19 Dec), Hoban (hip, 26 Dec), Ekstrand (knee, Jan), Gilmartin (knee, Feb)
Suspended None
Form DLWWLL
Discipline Y21 R1
Leading scorer Ighalo 7
