PREM: Watford v Newcastle preview

Watford v Newcastle preview

Jonjo Shelvey will be back in contention for Newcastle when they travel south to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

The midfielder has recovered from a thigh injury, which is well timed as Sung-Yueng Ki is now away on international duty with South Korea at the Asian Cup.

Newcastle are five points above the relegation zone and manager Rafa Benitez is hoping they can end their year on a high.

 

"To get three points will be massive - we'll be in a much better position in the table. But it is just as important to start 2019 well," he said.

"Some people underestimate the great job Javi Gracia is doing [at Watford]. They are playing well, they can compete against anyone, they can keep the ball and defend, and they have some strength physically."

 

Watford finished the first half of the season in 10th position in the Premier League.

They lost 2-1 at home to Chelsea last time out, having beaten Cardiff and West Ham in their previous two matches.

 

With Shelvey back in action, Benitez has only Karl Darlow (elbow) and Ciaran Clark (ankle) missing, with Florian Lejeune now available after a lengthy lay-off with knee ligament damage.

Watford will be without Christian Kabasele. The defender was hospitalised after colliding with a goal post during the defeat to Chelsea, though he appears to have escaped serious injury.

Will Hughes (hip), Andre Gray (leg), Sebastian Prodl (knee) and Adalberto Penaranda (foot) were all absent on Boxing Day and could remain out.