EPL: Watford v Newcastle preview

Watford v Newcastle preview

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez plans to make changes when his side face Watford in the Premier League on Sunday.

With three games of the season remaining, the Magpies have little left to play for as they are already assured of survival.

Benitez says he will "change players to keep fresh legs", but is keen for a response after back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Everton and West Brom.

"A team like us, we have to be organised, we have to play with intensity and everything has to be done with the same pace and the same passion we had in the past," he said.

"Our idea is to get three points in every game, especially when you lose a couple. We will make some changes, trying to keep everyone on their toes."

Newcastle winger Christian Atsu says the players and the fans want Rafa Benitez to continue as manager

Watford are not mathematically guaranteed to stay up this season but look to be safe as they hold a six-point cushion over the bottom three.

They have, though, gone seven games without a win as their form has again dipped at the end of the season.

Newcastle will be without striker Islam Slimani after he admitted a Football Association charge of violent conduct for kicking out at West Brom defender Craig Dawson.

Benitez will also be unable to call upon defender Ciaran Clark and winger Christian Atsu, who are both out with knee problems, although midfielder Mikel Merino is fit after missing out last weekend with a similar injury.

Watford should welcome back Roberto Pereyra after he returned to full training.

However, Nathaniel Chalobah (knee), Younes Kaboul (foot), Stefan Okaka (thigh), Andre Carrillo and Tom Cleverley are out.