Up next for Xisco Muñoz’s Hornets is the visit of Newcastle United at Vicarage Road this Saturday (September 25), with the Spaniard’s side looking to bounce back from the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Stoke City.
We take a look at the key statistics between Watford and Newcastle in preparation for the Premier League encounter.
Encouraging Record
Watford have won five of their 12 Premier League meetings with Newcastle. The Hornets have beaten Newcastle the most out of any side in the competition.
To add to this, Watford’s 19 points against the Magpies is more than they’ve earned against any other opponent in the Premier League.
Last time out in July 2020, Watford beat Newcastle 2-1 with Troy Deeney netting both goals from the penalty spot.
Vicarage Victories
Newcastle have won just one of their last nine away league games against Watford, while they’ve never won a top-flight match at Vicarage Road before.
Watford meanwhile have won 13 of their last 15 home league games. The Hornets have not lost back-to-back home league games since November 2019. They have also scored the most when head-to-head with 16 goals to Newcastle’s 12.
Key Players
As well as being Watford’s top scorer in the Premier League with three goals this season, Ismaïla Sarr has created the most chances with nine, had the most shots with 13 and completed the most dribbles with 16. He is also the most fouled player, having won 16 decisions.
For the travelling side, Allan Saint-Maximin has been directly involved in three goals in his last three Premier League games for Newcastle. This is as many as in his previous 12 for the Magpies. It’s also the first time in his Premier League career that he’s been involved in a goal in three consecutive appearances.
Watford’s Joshua King has scored three league goals against Newcastle, while Tom Cleverley has faced the Magpies 12 times in the league, with four of those appearances coming as a Hornets player. He’s scored twice against Newcastle during his time with Manchester United and Everton.
Promoted Problems
Newcastle won 2-0 at Fulham on the final day of the last campaign, but they’ve not won consecutive Premier League matches against promoted sides since November 2015, while they haven’t done so away from home since 2013/14.
This will be the 15th time that Newcastle’s Jeff Hendrick comes up against Watford in the league. He’s scored four times against Watford during his spells with Derby and Burnley. However, this is the first time the Irish midfielder will face the Hornets as a Newcastle player.
Expected Goals
Watford currently find themselves in 18th place for expected goals, while Newcastle are 15th. For expected goals conceded Watford are 12th and Newcastle are 20th in the rankings.
Newcastle currently rank first for the most headed goals scored this season, with three to the Magpies’ name.
