Watford v Stoke City preview: Hornets could enter top six with win

Watford have the chance to enter the top six in the Premier League table with a win over Stoke on Nissan Super Sunday, should results go their way.

Watford's shift to a 3-4-3 formation saw Walter Mazzarri's men impressively bounce back from their heavy 6-1 defeat to Liverpool earlier in the month with a 2-1 win against champions Leicester City.

They currently lie eighth in the Premier League table, and all three points against Stoke - live on Sky Sports - could see them go as high as sixth in the table. Troy Deeney is still in the hunt for his 100th goal for Watford.

Stoke have endured a mixed Premier League campaign so far. They currently sit 13th in the league following a 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend.

Potters manager Mark Hughes is also to be without influential midfielder Joe Allen. Allen, who is the club's top goalscorer this season, is suspended.

Team news

Watford could be without defender Younes Kaboul for the Premier League clash at home to Stoke on Sunday.

Hornets boss Walter Mazzarri revealed Kaboul suffered a knock in training and may miss out against the Potters.

Craig Cathcart (groin) and Isaac Success (foot) are longer-term absentees, while Odion Ighalo is likely to be on the bench again having been dropped for last weekend's win over champions Leicester.

Stoke will be without influential midfielder Joe Allen when they travel to Watford in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Welshman, the Potters' top scorer this term, is suspended, leaving boss Mark Hughes light in the midfield department given Glenn Whelan (calf) is a doubt and Geoff Cameron (knee) remains out.

Full-back Phil Bardsley (knee) will miss a number of weeks, along with Ibrahim Afellay (knee), though England international goalkeeper Jack Butland (ankle) is close to a comeback.

Opta stats

Watford have won four and lost just one of their last seven meetings with Stoke (W4 D2 L1).

Stoke have failed to score in six of their last seven matches against Watford, although they did net twice in this exact fixture last season (2-1), courtesy of goals from Jonathan Walters and Joselu.

The Potters have been victorious in four of their last six trips to Vicarage Road (D1 L1).

Troy Deeney has scored in each of his two Premier League appearances against the Potters and a goal in this match would see him net in three consecutive games vs a PL opponent for the first time in his career.

Deeney (99 goals) could become the fifth player to score 100 goals (all comps) for Watford after Luther Blissett (186), Tommy Barnett (163), Ross Jenkins (142) and Cliff Holton (105).

Watford have handed a Premier League appearance to players of 19 different nationalities this season; a wider spread than any other team.

Etienne Capoue has scored five goals from 18 shots in the Premier League this season (28%) - this after failing to score in his previous two Premier League seasons despite attempting 42 shots and playing 45 games.

Stoke City have collected just one win in their last nine Premier League games away from home (W1 D3 L5).

Both Stoke and Watford have been given a league-high seven yellow cards for dissent in the Premier League this season (alongside West Ham).

The Hornets have conceded the most headed goals (8) and the most goals from crosses (10) in the Premier League this season.

Merson's prediction

Stoke were disappointing against Bournemouth and Watford had a great result against the champions.

I expected Stoke to win last week and I would have had them to win this week but, with the result they had against Bournemouth, I think Stoke are half-decent too so I don't think there is much between these teams.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5-1)

Betting

Watford are 11/8 with Sky Bet as they look to follow up their victory over Leicester at home to Stoke.

The Potters' unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of Bournemouth last weekend and they can be backed at 2/1 to get back to winning ways.

Deeney is still seeking his 100th Hornets goal and Sky Bet's range of Price Boosts on the Vicarage Road clash include Deeney and Stoke's Wilfried Bony both to score enhanced from 7/1 to 10/1.

Click here for all the live odds and offers.

Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4!