Paul Merson has predicted Aston Villa to record a 2-2 draw against Watford on Saturday at Villa Park, as he told Sportskeeda.
The former Villa man stated that Villa look ‘vulnerable’ at the back following their drop in form.
Steven Gerrard’s side were beaten 1-0 at Newcastle United last time out in what was perhaps the worst performance since his appointment.
But it doesn’t stop there because, the last time Villa played at home, they let a 3-1 lead slip to draw 3-3 to Leeds.
That’s two relegation-threatened side the Midlands outfit have faced and come out of it with only one point.
So Watford, who are yet to win or score a goal since Roy Hodgson’s was brought in, will be licking their lips ahead of their visit to Villa Park.
This is what Merson had to say about the weekend showdown.
“Both Aston Villa and Watford are coming on the back of poor performances,” said Merson. “But I think this will be a good game with a lot of goals.
“Watford have got to go swinging and look to collect as many points as possible, especially since Villa look vulnerable at the back.
“Roy Hodgson has got good players at Watford and if he gets his forwards clicking, he will win football matches.
“I think he’ll tell his players to keep it tight at Villa Park and turn to his forwards to potentially win them the game, so this could turn out to be an exciting contest.”
After Villa’s defeat at St James’ Park, Gerrard made it clear that changes will be made for the next game.
A former Watford man in Ashley Young, who moved from Vicarage Road to Villa Park during his first spell, could be brought back into the fold.
Villa need that added experience and composure on the pitch because they have looked way too erratic at times and Young would provide that.
But given how some of Villa’s games have gone of late, it wouldn’t be a surprise if there are a fair few goals in this one as well.
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