EPL: Newcastle United v Watford preview

Newcastle United v Watford preview

Newcastle will be aiming to end a run of three straight Premier League defeats when they take on Watford at St James' Park on Saturday.

The Magpies have made a solid start to life back in the top-flight, but consecutive defeats against Burnley, Bournemouth and Manchester United has seen them slip into the bottom-half of the standings.

However, Rafael Benitez' team do boast an impressive home record, as they have lost just one of their last five matches at St James', a sequence that includes a 3-0 hammering of West Ham and a 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Newcastle have also lost just one of their last 12 home meetings with Watford in the league, although that defeat did come when they last went head-to-head on Tyneside two years ago.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles remains unavailable due to an ankle injury, while Isaac Hayden is suspended and Christian Atsu is yet to recover from a thigh strain.

Mikel Merino could feature as he works his way back to full fitness following a back complaint, while Paul Dummett is in line to make his first appearance since August after recovery from a hamstring issue.

Watford ended their own three-match losing run by beating West Ham 2-0 last weekend, a result that leaves Marco Silva's men riding high in the top-half of the table.

However, speculation continues to surround the future of Silva, who has been strongly linked with the vacant managerial position at Everton, although he remains fully committed to the Hornets cause.

The Portuguese coach has no fresh injury concerns heading into the match, although five players remain on the treatment table, while captain Troy Deeney will serve the final match of his three-game suspension.