Watford vs Newcastle United preview: Fabricio Coloccini to be tested at Vicarage Road against Premier League's surprise package
A look ahead to the FA Cup Third Round fixture at Vicarage Road.
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Your support makes all the difference.It’s a big game for…
Fabricio Coloccini – Newcastle’s defensive record in the last three games leaves something to be desired, and the Italian was largely anonymous in the heart of the defence. He has won just a third of his attempted duels in that time, and needs to prove to Steve McClaren that his age (33) isn’t catching up with him.
Weird stat…
It took these two teams four games to find a winner last time they met in the FA Cup in 1989. The first three resulted in draws: only Glen Roeder’s own goal five minutes from the end of extra time in the fourth game prevented it becoming the longest FA Cup tie ever.
Remember when…
Ighalo was electric the last time these two met back in September. Skip to 1.16 here to see the first of his smartly taken goals, or 0.33 to see his signature piece of ball control, the ‘Iggy Chop’.
Player to watch…
Etienne Capoue has been a rock for Watford recently, making no defensive errors in the last 7 matches. With Ighalo experiencing a (hopefully) temporary dip in form, Capoue provides additional forward momentum, almost always choosing to pass the ball into attack.
Past three meetings…
Newcastle United 1 (Janmaat), Watford 2 (Ighalo 2)
Premier League, September 2015
Watford 1 (Hoskins), Newcastle United 2 (Coloccini, Carroll)
Championship, February 2010
Newcastle United 2 (Lovenkrands, Pancrate), Watford 0
Championship, December 2009
Form guide…
Watford: WWWDLL
Newcastle United: WWDLLL
Vital information…
KICK-OFF TIME: 3.00pm
TV: Highlights BBC1 at 10.25pm
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