Huddersfield Town vs Watford. Premier League.
The John Smith's StadiumAttendance23,961.
Saturday 14 April 2018 13:55, UK
Huddersfield will be looking to make a big step towards a survival "miracle" when they host Watford on Saturday.
A win for the Terriers could move them seven points clear of the relegation zone with four games left to play.
Having been promoted to the Premier League last season, manager David Wagner says staying up would be an even bigger achievement.
"Last season promotion was a fairytale, wasn't it? With a great happy end, but if we stay up it's bigger. For me it's bigger," he said.
"This is why if we can stay up it's not a fairytale. It's a miracle if we are able to survive."
Wagner's side are chasing their first win in six, while Watford, five points and four places better off, have not won on their travels this year and are winless in their last four.
"Everyone can read the table," Wagner said. "It looks better than it did the week before. One less game, one more point. We have to make sure the future looks bright. Saturday's game is a big part of that. We are so excited."
The game takes on extra significance for Huddersfield as they face a tricky finish to the season.
After hosting Watford and then Everton, they finish with games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Huddersfield midfielder Jonathan Hogg is in contention to face his former club after returning to full training.
Forward Elias Kachunga, midfielder Danny Williams (both ankle) and defender Michael Hefele (knee) remain unavailable.
Watford could have Christian Kabasele available after a hamstring problem while Craig Cathcart, fit from a hip injury, could also be involved after being an unused substitute in last weekend's home defeat by Burnley.
Forward Gerard Deulofeu (foot) is stepping up his rehabilitation along with defender Younes Kaboul (foot) and midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah (knee) while Tom Cleverley (thigh) also continues his recovery.
Huddersfield are looking to secure their first league double over Watford since the 1995-96 season, when they were in the second tier.
There have been 32 goals scored across the last seven league meetings between these sides, at an average of 4.6 per game (16 goals each).
After winning 13 of a possible 21 points from their first seven games on the road (W4 D1 L2), Watford have won just one point from their last 27 available away from home in the Premier League (W0 D1 L8).
Meanwhile, having won 14 points from their first eight Premier League home games (W4 D2 L2), the Terriers have won just six from their last eight at the John Smith's Stadium (W1 D3 L4).
Another big match. Southampton and Stoke will be looking at this and hoping Huddersfield lose, but I think they will win and then you have to think they will be safe.
If Southampton and Stoke don't win this weekend then they need to win half of their remaining matches to catch Huddersfield; I can't see that happening.
But if Huddersfield lose they could be in major trouble because they have difficult fixtures to finish the season and you wouldn't expect them getting another point from those games.
Watford's season is over, so Huddersfield have to take advantage, it's great timing for them.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
