Takeover talk has reached fever pitch on Tyneside but, before Newcastle can be transformed by hundreds of Middle Eastern millions, Mike Ashley must accept an offer from Amanda Staveley. Until that happens there is a sense of limbo; not that Rafa Benítez can allow Newcastle, who have lost their past three games, to tread water. An intriguing tactical duel between Benítez and Watford’s Marco Silva – (much admired by managerless Everton) – will be spiced by the return of Newcastle’s Mikel Merino from injury. Louise Taylor
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue St James’ Park
Last season Newcastle Utd 1 Watford 2
Referee Chris Kavanagh
This season G2, Y7, R0, 3.5 cards per game
Odds H 5-4 A 13-5 D 5-2
Newcastle Utd
Subs from Darlow, Mbemba, Gámez, Haïdara, Aarons, Dummett, Saivet, Diamé, Mitrovic
Doubtful Dummett (hamstring)
Injured Atsu (thigh, 2 Dec), Lascelles (ankle, unknown)
Suspended Hayden (one match)
Form DDWLLL
Discipline Y23 R1
Leading scorers Joselu, Lascelles 2
Watford
Subs from Bachmann, Okaka, Sinclair, Dja Djédjé, Watson, Janmaat, Karnezis, Wagué, Pereyra, Carrillo, Holebas
Doubtful None
Injured Success (knee, 9 Dec), Cathcart, Chalobah (both knee), Kaboul (hamstring, all unknown)
Suspended Deeney (last of three)
Form DWLLLW
Discipline Y19 R1
Leading scorer Richarlison 5
