Thursday evening, at 19:45 pm, Tranmere Rovers receives a visit from Watford, in a replay of the England Cup, after which the blue-and-white of the third league hopes to take the big hit. In the tour, on Vicarage Road, the score was 3-3, although Watford led by 3-0 and seemed confident of qualifying! Initially, the Preston Park Revenue was rescheduled after the hosts’ lawn was flooded.
After reaching the Cup final last season, Watford seems to no longer attach the same importance to the competition in 2020. In the first game, played at home, the “Wasp” had an improvised first “11”, most of which were missing. However, the Londoners went 3-0 at halftime, after goals from Dele-Bashiru (’12), Chalobah (’14) and Pereyra (’34). Watford slowed down in the second half, got even more young, and Tranmere reacted unreally!
The guests scored through Jennings (’65), Monthe (’78) and Mullin (’87 – penalty), the latter being introduced on the field in the 82nd minute. Amid nerves, the Colombian Pereyra was eliminated at the end of the match (‘ 89), and Tranmere resisted for a historical rejuvenation. Obviously, the white-blue ones are much more motivated to get to the next stage, after they seemed “doomed” in the tour. In this season, Tranmere has only four matches without a goal, an eloquent figure.
Watford has bigger worries in the relegation zone in England, and the team coached by Nigel Pearson comes after encouraging results, with Wolverhampton (2-1), Bournemouth (3-0) and Tottenham (0-0). Last time, the “wasps” lost hard with Aston Villa (1-2), although they drove through the goal of Troy Deeney! Villa scored decisively in the 90 + 5 minute, at the last stage of the match, and Watford is deeply involved in the fight in the basement. Therefore, the next stage, from the weekend, is paramount for the hosts.
Tranmere is a brilliant team from League One, the third English league, and comes after seven consecutive matches without victory, in all competitions! In the championship, Tranmere recently made 0-0 at Southend and lost to Ipswich (1-2), having a much-needed defensive. If he is going to use base players, Watford should have no emotions, but lack of motivation on this plan can be decisive for the outcome of the guests. We rely on a heated and closed game, in which Tranmere will defend desperately, and Watford will be pleased to defend a new advantage.
Foster, Capoue, Doucure, Deulofeu and Deeney could be rested at Watford’s camp. London manager Nigel Pearson said: “I have to be pragmatic and make the best decisions for the club. I have always liked the trips in the Cup, but this time the situation is different. My role is to plan the week, and we played on Sunday and Tuesday, after a very busy time in December. It will not be easy. ”
