Watford host Leeds United this weekend in another hotly-anticipated Premier League clash, as two sides fighting for safety battle it out at Vicarage Road (April 9, 3pm KO).
Both sides boast exciting players who their opposition will need to be wary of in their pursuit of three points, in what promises to be an entertaining clash in the top-flight.
Imrân Louza & Kalvin Phillips
Two young internationals who have impressed in midfield in recent times, control of the tempo depends largely on which maestro gets the upper hand in this battle. Imrân Louza has returned to Watford with a spring in his step following a successful international break with Morocco, performing well at Anfield against Liverpool in the last fixture.
Kalvin Phillips returned from injury to play 26 minutes in Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Southampton last weekend, making eight recoveries and winning five duels. If the England international is fit to start at Vicarage Road, he will be key to the visitors’ style of play.
Christian Kabasele & Rodrigo
Belgian defender Christian Kabasele has started the last two Premier League fixtures in place of Craig Cathcart, helping the Hornets to a 2-1 win over Southampton and keeping Liverpool quiet for the majority of the game last Saturday afternoon.
The centre-half will have to prevent Leeds attacker Rodrigo from getting on the scoresheet, which may not be an easy task. The Spaniard netted vital equalisers against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Norwich City last month, in two games which were ultimately won by Leeds.
Rodrigo has featured in 24 games this season, scoring five and assisting once in the Premier League. Operating mainly behind the striker, Kabasele will need to keep an eye on the lively forward.
Ismaïla Sarr & Stuart Dallas
Not for the first time in the Premier League, Northern Ireland international Stuart Dallas is likely to operate as a left-back due to Leeds’ injuries in that position. Junior Firpo’s long-term absence has been softened by the midfielder’s good form out of position. An ever-present in Leeds’ side, he is the current highest appearance maker in the squad and has started every one of their games since promotion to the Premier League in 2020.
The 30-year-old’s opponent on Saturday may be Ismaïla Sarr, who made his first appearance since February against Liverpool last weekend. Sarr has scored five times in 17 league appearances this term, displaying his talent on the international stage with Senegal too, winning the Africa Cup of Nations and earning qualification for this year’s World Cup. Sarr has a tough full-back to beat, but will no doubt be a vital component in the Hornets’ attack if selected.
