Quique Sánchez Flores seems slightly offended by Sam Allardyce’s assertion that this ranks as a relegation six-pointer. “I understand what he’s saying but I will never in my life agree,” said Watford’s manager whose side sit 10th. “I have a different mentality.” Much may hinge on how the respective defences cope with Sunderland’s Duncan Watmore and Watford’s Odion Ighalo but Flores relishes the challenge ahead. “The atmosphere at their stadium will be amazing,” he said. “Sam Allardyce has changed Sunderland’s dynamic. We have to be ready to face several different systems.” Louise Taylor
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue Stadium of Light
Last season n/a
Live n/a
Referee G Scott
This season G0, Y00, R0, 0.0 cards per game
Odds H 15-8 A 8-5 D 11-5
Sunderland
Subs from Mannone, Brown, Jones, Matthews, Gómez, Borini, Johnson, Lens, Defoe, Graham
Doubtful Defoe (hamstring), Fletcher (ankle), Brown (knee)
Injured Cattermole (back, 19 Dec), Larsson (knee, 10 Jan)
Suspended None
Form LWWLLW
Discipline Y30 R2
Leading scorer Defoe 4
Watford
Subs from Arlauskis, Guedioura, Abdi, Paredes, Oularé, Ibarbo, Diamanti, Holebas, Belkalem, Berghuis, Prodl
Doubtful Prodl (calf)
Injured Behrami (knee, 20 Dec), Ekstrand (knee, Jan), Hoban (knee, Jan), Gilmartin (knee, May)
Suspended None
Form WWLLWW
Discipline Y27 R1
Leading scorer Ighalo 9
