Aston Villa v Watford predictions: Hornets lack a finishing sting

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Aston Villa v Watford in the Premier League on Saturday

When to bet

3pm Saturday

Best bet

Aston Villa
1pt 3-5 bet365

Team news

Aston Villa
Ezri Konsa is suspended while Bertrand Traore and Marvelous Nakamba remain sidelined through injury.

Watford
Peter Etebo, Nicolas Nkoulou, Rob Elliot and Kwadwo Baah are all injured but Ismaila Sarr could make his first start since November.

Match preview

Last Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Newcastle means Aston Villa have now lost more games than they have won under Steven Gerrard but they have the perfect chance to bounce back when they host struggling Watford.

The Hornets have undoubtedly improved since Gerrard's former England coach Roy Hodgson replaced Claudio Ranieri last month, notably in defence.

That said, they are still to score under the 74-year-old, hitting the target with just one of their nine shots in last Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to Brighton.

Villa were equally wasteful against Newcastle but that was the first time they have failed to find the net in six Premier League games.

Watford won the reverse fixture 3-2 on the opening weekend and are expected to hand one of their goalscorers that day, Ismaila Sarr, his first start since November.

The Senegalese player's Afcon exploits mean he will be full of confidence but even that fresh belief may not be enough to help the Hornets.

Key stat

Watford have failed to score in their last four Premier League games.

Inside info

Aston Villa

Penalty taker Danny Ings
Free-kick wizard Philippe Coutinho
Set-piece aerial threat Tyrone Mings
Card magnet John McGinn

Watford

Penalty taker Joshua King
Free-kick wizardIsmaila Sarr
Set-piece aerial threatSamir
Card magnetEmmanuel Dennis

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