Of their last nine league games Watford won the first four and lost the last four, with a draw in the middle. Their recent form means that for the first time since August there is some concern about their prospects this season, a wobble they will attempt to end by completing a treble over Newcastle, who have not lost in two matches since they were undeservedly beaten here in the FA Cup a fortnight ago. “It is a tough challenge to beat them again, but this is our target, to play well and replicate those good feelings,” said Quique Sánchez Flores. Watford’s record signing Nordin Amrabat should make his debut at some stage. Simon Burnton
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue Vicarage Road
Last season n/a
Referee Andre Marriner
This season G12, Y46, R3, 4.33 cards per game
Odds H 11-10 A 11-4 D 5-2
Watford
Subs from Pantilimon, Arlauskis, Anya, Behrami, Berghuis, Guedioura, Holebas, Oularé, Paredes, Prödl, Amrabat
Doubtful Holebas (knee)
Injured Ekstrand (knee, 3 Feb), Hoban (groin, 27 Feb)
Suspended None
Form WDLLLL
Discipline Y42 R2
Leading scorer Ighalo 13
Newcastle United
Subs from Darlow, Taylor, Sterry, Thauvin, Gouffran, Aarons, Rivière, Toney
Doubtful None
Injured De Jong (eye), Obertan (thigh, Apr), Cissé (groin, Mar) Dummett (hamstring, unknown), Haidara (knee, Apr), Mbabu (knock, unknown) Colback (knock, 2 Feb), Anita (hamstring, 13 Feb)
Suspended None
Form DLLLDW
Discipline Y40 R3
Leading scorer Wijnaldum 9
