Javi Gracia’s side have enjoyed a wonderful campaign so far and could get the cherry on top of the cake if they achieve the unlikely task of defeating City at Wembley next Saturday.
Their clever scouting network has assembled a squad full of players who are easily capable of playing higher up the ladder, as they prepare for their final Premier League match of the season.
Naturally, their form has dipped since the 3-2 win over Wolves sent them into the final, with the Hornets only picking up one win from five – a 2-1 triumph against Huddersfield.
Yet Gracia has indicated that he will continue to pick a full strength side for continuity and momentum going into next Saturday’s fixture.
Etienne Capoue is likely to return after missing the 3-0 Chelsea defeat with injuries rarely hampering them this season, while Sebastian Prodl remains the only long-term absentee.
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini may be forgiven for thinking he should be in Gracia’s position right now.
The Hammers spent big not only to get in a proven Premier League winning manager through the door but also backed him with several high-profile additions.
The balance of the squad has always been in question though and West Ham will be disappointed if the fail to beat Watford on the last day and thus finish in the bottom half of the table.
Pellegrini does have options available to him though, including Samir Nasri who is ready to play for the first time since March 16 because of a calf issue, with him being one many whose long term Olympic Stadium future looks unclear.
Robert Snodgrass is back from suspension, while Felipe Anderson and Declan Rice have both recovered from illness.
BETTING ANALYSIS
Watford and West Ham end their respective seasons at Vicarage Road this Sunday afternoon.
A potential ninth placed finish is on the line in this game as only two points separate Leicester City and the two teams in this game.
West Ham are coming into this contest with better recent form having won their last two games. Victories over Tottenham and Southampton ended a rotten run of four games without a win for Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
Watford, on the other hand, have only won one of their last five games. This disappointing run may be partly due to the fact that Javi Gracia’s side have one eye on the upcoming FA Cup final.
One thing on their side though, is the head to head record. Watford have won three for their last five encounters with the Hammers. This includes their last clash at the London stadium which the Hornets won 2-0.
The recommendation in this game is to back West Ham to get their payback. The team looked impressive in their last two outings and they should be able to get the job done against an out-of-sorts Watford side.
*prices correct at time of writing and are subject to change
**New customers only, limited to one per person. If you've previously had a Paddy Power account, you will not qualify for the offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max. refund for this offer is £10. T&Cs apply.
90'
Watford v West Ham
PaddyPower Pre-Match Odds: Watford 11/10, Draw 13/5, West Ham 21/10*
NEW PADDY POWER CUSTOMERS GET A £10 RISK FREE FIRST BET - MONEY BACK IN CASH IF IT LOSES!**
Javi Gracia’s side have enjoyed a wonderful campaign so far and could get the cherry on top of the cake if they achieve the unlikely task of defeating City at Wembley next Saturday.
Their clever scouting network has assembled a squad full of players who are easily capable of playing higher up the ladder, as they prepare for their final Premier League match of the season.
Naturally, their form has dipped since the 3-2 win over Wolves sent them into the final, with the Hornets only picking up one win from five – a 2-1 triumph against Huddersfield.
Yet Gracia has indicated that he will continue to pick a full strength side for continuity and momentum going into next Saturday’s fixture.
Etienne Capoue is likely to return after missing the 3-0 Chelsea defeat with injuries rarely hampering them this season, while Sebastian Prodl remains the only long-term absentee.
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini may be forgiven for thinking he should be in Gracia’s position right now.
The Hammers spent big not only to get in a proven Premier League winning manager through the door but also backed him with several high-profile additions.
The balance of the squad has always been in question though and West Ham will be disappointed if the fail to beat Watford on the last day and thus finish in the bottom half of the table.
Pellegrini does have options available to him though, including Samir Nasri who is ready to play for the first time since March 16 because of a calf issue, with him being one many whose long term Olympic Stadium future looks unclear.
Robert Snodgrass is back from suspension, while Felipe Anderson and Declan Rice have both recovered from illness.
BETTING ANALYSIS
Watford and West Ham end their respective seasons at Vicarage Road this Sunday afternoon.
A potential ninth placed finish is on the line in this game as only two points separate Leicester City and the two teams in this game.
West Ham are coming into this contest with better recent form having won their last two games. Victories over Tottenham and Southampton ended a rotten run of four games without a win for Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
Watford, on the other hand, have only won one of their last five games. This disappointing run may be partly due to the fact that Javi Gracia’s side have one eye on the upcoming FA Cup final.
One thing on their side though, is the head to head record. Watford have won three for their last five encounters with the Hammers. This includes their last clash at the London stadium which the Hornets won 2-0.
The recommendation in this game is to back West Ham to get their payback. The team looked impressive in their last two outings and they should be able to get the job done against an out-of-sorts Watford side.
Recommendation
West Ham to win – 21/10 PaddyPower*
*prices correct at time of writing and are subject to change
**New customers only, limited to one per person. If you've previously had a Paddy Power account, you will not qualify for the offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max. refund for this offer is £10. T&Cs apply.
Head to Head Comparison
Watford FC - Last 5 Matches
West Ham United - Last 5 Matches