Three changes for Newcastle United against Watford

Newcastle United take on Watford on Saturday in the Barclays Premier League.

MF Rolando Aarons, 5 – Has had a much storied start to his Newcastle career after good displays and notable injuries, but didn’t shine at Watford.

Last Meeting: The final weekend of the 2006-07 season saw already relegated Watford claim a point from a 1-1 draw, sealed by a penalty from Marlon King seven minutes after half-time.

The prolific Odion Ighalo struck seconds after half-time before the defender doubled the gap in the 58th minute.

23′ – MITROVIC SHOT – Sissoko passes inside for Wijnaldum, who rolls the ball round to Mitrovic, and his low, well struck shot strikes Gomes and loops just over the bar.

The second period was a different story altogether, and just 44 seconds had gone when Capoue dinked a ball over the top of Newcastle’s static defence and Ighalo had only Elliot to beat. Wijnaldum played a lovely well-timed pass which culminated in Mitrovic bursting forward but his side-footed shot forced Gomes to make a sprawling save – showing onlooker, and recent signing, Costel Pantilimon why he is Watford’s No.1.

Ighalo scored both of Watford’s goals in their 2-1 win at St James’ Park in September, and he held his nerve superbly again to round Elliot and casually slot home.

“It was a crucial match – we have got more of a gap to Newcastle now”.

Nevertheless, the hosts took the lead within a minute of the restart, Ighalo scoring for the first time in five matches.

Britos sent a half-cleared free-kick back into the area, Deeney headed down, Ighalo controlled on his thigh and Craig Cathcart volleyed in from close range with his left foot.

Troy Deeney has been linked with a move to Arsenal and it is not hard to see why.

“We just need to be more clinical and better at the other end and better in both boxes, but I can’t fault the players”.

Watford boss Flores had backed Ighalo to hit the goal trail again today, he admitted it was understandable if he was exhausted – but there no excuse for his performance to dip. With only three fit centre-backs to choose from McClaren picked them all, not entirely inconveniently given the success Tottenham and Southampton had recently had against Watford using similar formations.