Match Info
Watford v Crystal Palace
Carabao Cup Round Two
Vicarage Road Stadium
Tuesday August 24, 7.45pm BST
Officials
- Referee: Tim Robinson
- Assistant Referees: Richard Wild, Nigel Lugg
- Fourth Official: John Busby
Opposition
Crystal Palace have made several impressive signings this summer, with the likes of playmaker Michael Olise and defenders Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen joining the ranks. They endured a tough start to the Premier League campaign, losing 3-0 to Chelsea, but picked up their first point in a goalless draw with Brentford last time out at Selhurst Park.
Key Stats
- This is the first League Cup meeting between the two sides since August 1976. Watford won the second round tie 3-1 at Selhurst Park.
- Watford are unbeaten at Vicarage Road against Crystal Palace in five meetings, last losing out to the Eagles in September 2015.
- The Hornets go into this fixture with 10 successive competitive home wins under their belts.
What Are They Saying?
Xisco Muñoz, Watford Head Coach:
“I have a huge respect for the Carabao Cup. The Carabao Cup is important for us. It’s important to understand that whoever plays gives all their best and 100 per cent.
“Now is the moment for all the players in the squad to try to give their best in the situation. This is the moment to come into the first team and be solid and to show everyone, I’m here, I want to play and put me in the game against Tottenham.
“Whoever plays on the pitch won’t lose the hunger. We need tempo and intensity.”
Patrick Vieira, Crystal Palace Manager:
“It’s important for us to win football matches. To win football matches will give us confidence for the rest of the season. We are at the beginning of the season, players are feeling strong, are feeling good, there are two games before the international break and we will play these two games with the best starting XI I have.
“We will play all the games with the desire to win it; I don’t think we can choose which competition we can go into. As a football club we don’t have this privilege, we have to take one game after the other. The next one is on Tuesday and we will put [out] a strong team to compete.”
Head to Head
Overall:
Won 44, Drawn 28, Lost 50
Last Six:
- March 2020: Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford (Premier League)
- December 2019: Watford 0-0 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
- March 2019: Watford 2-1 Crystal Palace (FA Cup)
- January 2019: Crystal Palace 1-2 Watford (Premier League)
- August 2018: Watford 2-1 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
- April 2018: Watford 0-0 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
Golden Flashback
The last cup tie between the two sides came in the 2018/19 FA Cup quarter-final. Watford won the match 2-1, with Andre Gray netting the winner late on to secure a memorable trip to Wembley.
How To Follow
Tune in to live audio commentary with Jon Marks and Hornets legend Tommy Mooney, available free of charge at watfordfc.com from 7.30pm BST.
