There has been little festive cheer for Stoke after the fixture computer handed them trips to Anfield and Stamford Bridge in between Christmas and new year and despite flattering to deceive before losing both games, the visit of Watford gives them a chance to end on a high. Sunday’s home humbling by Spurs was a fifth defeat in seven for Walter Mazzarri’s inconsistent side. Paul Chronnell
Kick-off 8pm
Venue Bet365 Stadium
Last season Stoke City 0 Watford 2
Referee Neil Swarbrick
This season G11, Y42, R0, 3.82 cards per game
Odds H Evens A 17-5 D 5-2
Stoke City
Subs from Given, Haugaard, Sobhi, Bony, Verlinden, Ngoy, Teixeira, Krkic, Bardsley, Whelan, Imbula
Doubtful None
Injured Muniesa (knee, 7 Jan), Cameron (knee, 14 Jan), Butland (ankle, Feb), Ireland (leg, Feb), Walters (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Form WLDDLL
Discipline Y35 R1
Leading scorer Allen 5
Watford
Subs from Gilmartin, Pantilimon, Watson, Kabasele, Folivi, Rowan, Stewart, Mason
Doubtful None
Injured Mariappa (knee), Okaka (hamstring, both 14 Jan), Behrami (hamstring), Janmaat (groin), Success (hamstring, all 21 Jan), Amrabat, Zúñiga (both ankle), Dja Djedje (foot), Pereyra (knee, all unknown)
Suspended None
Form LWLLDL
Discipline Y46 R3
Leading scorer Capoue 5
