Watford will be welcoming Newcastle United to Vicarage Road and Steve McClaren will be looking to guide his side to three games unbeaten.
The Magpies will come into the game off the back off a 2-1 win over West Ham United but faced Watford earlier in the month, losing 2-0 in the FA Cup.
In the wake of McClaren’s press conference, we look at some of the things we have learned from what he has said.
Worrying team news
The 54-year old has confirmed a list of injuries that mean that there are currently only four first team defenders that are fit in the build-up to the match against Watford. The defenders that are fit are mostly centre-backs and Kevin Mbabu, Jack Colback and Paul Dummett are all expected to be sidelined.
Ivan Toney and Siem de Jong are both also expected to be out of the running for this game with both attackers sustaining injuries. However, Emmanuel Riviere is expected to return the bench. The Frenchman joined Newcastle in the summer of 2014 and is yet to make a major impact.
Transfer news
Cheick Tiote’s move to China is expected to go through, with the manager stating that “he can’t see any complications.”
The Magpies have been linked with moves for Andros Townsend and Saido Berahino, with the money gained from the Tiote transfer perhaps having an effect on these moves. McLaren said: “It would be disrespectful to comment on any of the names we’re linked with, but we’re always busy.”
Recent form
McClaren seems upbeat about this match, the former Derby County manager believes that his side, “have not turned the corner yet. We’re not out of the pit yet but we’re climbing out.” After the win over West Ham was the first win for the Magpies in 6 games, ending a run of two draws and five losses.
The manager believes that their win could give them the edge over Watford, despite their recent defeats to Quique Flores’ side. “We’ve played Watford a couple of times and in the cup and we were very unlucky. They haven’t won for a few games and need a win.”
The Hornets have not won in the league since their 3-0 victory over Liverpool on December 20th, six league games ago.
