Watford v Tottenham predictions: Slick Spurs should prove too strong

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Watford v Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday.

When to bet

Kick-off 3pm Saturday

Best bet

Tottenham
2pts 8-13 general

Team news

Watford
Kiko Femenia limped off during the 4-1 loss to West Ham and is set to join Ben Foster, Kwadwo Baah, Christian Kabasele, Peter Etebo, Ismaila Sarr, Danny Rose and Nicolas Nkoulou on the sidelines. Tom Cleverley could return.

Tottenham
Ryan Sessegnon, Cristian Romero and Steven Bergwijn are injured but Giovani Lo Celso is back in contention.

Match preview

Tottenham have slipped from fifth to seventh after a disappointing 1-1 draw at Southampton on Tuesday but they remain in the race for Champions League qualification and can boost their chances with a win over relegation-threatened Watford.

Watford's survival hopes were given a huge boost on Friday when it was confirmed that top-scorer Emmanuel Dennis will not be going to the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.

Dennis's availability for January clashes away to Newcastle and at home to Norwich will be warmly welcomed by Claudio Ranieri, who has had a rocky first three months in Hertfordshire.

However, the Italian's immediate concern is to avoid a sixth successive league defeat against a Spurs side unbeaten in seven top flight games under Antonio Conte.

Watford have had occasional moments of joy under Ranieri – winning 5-2 away to Everton and 4-1 at home to Manchester United – but they were not at the races in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to West Ham at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets have gone 27 top flight games without registering a clean sheet and it is hard to see their rocky rearguard keeping out a Tottenham team, who look fit and focused under their demanding gaffer.

Conte's side have a two-legged EFL Cup semi-final against Chelsea on the horizon but they are taking things one game at a time and should justify odds-on favouritism.

Key stat

Watford have lost nine of their last 11 Premier League games

Inside info

Watford

Penalty taker Joshua King
Free-kick wizard Juraj Kucka
Set-piece aerial threat Francisco Sierralta
Card magnet Emmanuel Dennis

Tottenham

Penalty taker Harry Kane
Free-kick wizardEric Dier
Set-piece aerial threatHarry Kane
Card magnetOliver Skipp

Not got a Paddy Power account? Sign up and get up to £50 in free sports bets

Place a single £10 Sportsbook bet and get money back as a free bet if it loses. There are x5 Free Bets available. Max refund per qualifying bet is £10. Only deposits made via Credit/Debit Card will be eligible for the promotion. Paddy's Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport