PREM: Watford v Sunderland preview

Watford v Sunderland preview

Watford have doubts over striker Troy Deeney (illness) and defender Sebastian Prodl (calf) for the visit of bottom club Sunderland.

Midfielder Valon Behrami is sidelined by a thigh injury, while defender Christian Kabasele has a hip problem.

Ben Watson (groin), Roberto Pereyra and Mauro Zarate (both knee) all continue their rehabilitation. 

John O'Shea is in line to retain his place for Sunderland despite returning from international duty with stitches in a leg wound.

Republic of Ireland defender O'Shea was hurt in a challenge by Wales striker Gareth Bale but was able to train back on Wearside on Thursday, and he could be joined in the team by Lamine Kone, who has shaken off a knee problem.

Midfielder Lee Cattermole is desperate to resume action after more than six months on the sidelines with a hip cartilage problem, as is striker Victor Anichebe (knee), but the game could come too soon for both.

Steven Pienaar (calf), Jan Kirchhoff, Paddy McNair and Duncan Watmore (all knee) are still out.

Teams

Watford (from): Gomes, Kaboul, Britos, Prodl, Cathcart, Janmaat, Niang, Capoue, Doucoure, Cleverley, Deeney, Pantilimon, Amrabat, Success, Zuniga, Holebas, Okaka, Stewart. 

Sunderland (from): Pickford, Mannone, Jones, Manquillo, Denayer, Oviedo, Love, O'Shea, Kone, Djilobodji, Lescott, Ndong, Gibson, Larsson, Borini, Januzaj, Khazri, Gooch, Honeyman, Defoe, Maja.