Prince Rupert's Tower
Fansided

Everton versus Watford match preview and podcast

By Alex Johnson

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Everton manager Sam Allardyce watches from the touchline during the Premier League match between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park on January 31, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Everton manager Sam Allardyce watches from the touchline during the Premier League match between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park on January 31, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

We share our match preview for Everton versus Watford at Vicarage Road, as the Blues look to rectify their poor away form. 

Last time out, which may feel like an eternity ago, we saw Everton beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Goodison Park. The squad has since traveled to Dubai for a warm weather training camp to decompress and build stronger bonds with their teammates.

The Opposition

Watford lost 2-0 to West Ham last time out. They deployed a 3-4-3 formation, which included a familiar face – Gerard Deulofeu. Watford were able to control possession and had an equal amount of shots on target, but were not clinical enough in front of goal to capitalize.

Watford will look to control the tempo and majority of possession at home by utilizing their high-energy midfield players and pacey forwards. They sit in 11th place with 30 points, only four points behind Everton in ninth.

Preferred Lineup

Everton should line up in a 4-3-3 formation to get the best balance possible with the current squad. My preferred starting XI is as follows:

GK: Pickford

This is a no-brainer. He is and will continue to be the undisputed starting keeper for the near future.

Defense: Coleman, Keane, Jagielka, Baines

Coleman and Baines are by far Everton’s best options outside, although Kenny and Martina have deputized well in their absences. There has not been a clear first choice centre-back pairing this season.

Jagielka offers pace and good communication, which will help Keane perform to his ability. Confidence is key in this pairing and Everton need their Captain.

Midfield: Gana, Rooney, Davies

We have seen numerous times now that this midfield trio offers high energy as well as decent creativity.

Gana and Rooney will sit deep to break up play and move the ball forward. Davies will utilize his stamina to press and help create space for the forward players.

Forward: Walcott, Tosun, Sigurdsson

More from Match Preview

Tosun has to start this week. He shows the same work ethic as Niasse, with loads more ability.

Walcott has started four times since his arrival and contributed with two goals and two assists. He provides width pace, and confidence on the ball unlike anyone else in the squad.

Sigurdsson will play a more fluid role drifting into space centrally, where he is most effective. May the Ice Man continue his good form.

Bottom Line

Everton must match the high energy and pace of Watford in order to succeed. The players are more than capable of delivering an away victory, as long as Big Sam affords them a fighting chance with his team selection.

Everton will be looking to bolster their away form and this is the perfect time to do so on the back of a successful warm weather training camp. They must display confidence and mental fortitude to finish the season strong.

Next: Everton Loan Watch Monthly Report

Now it’s your turn. What’s your prediction for Saturday’s game against Watford and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.