Watford will face Sheffield United at Vicarage Road this Saturday in the Sky Bet Championship. Both teams are struggling, with Watford 11 points off the play-offs and Sheffield United aiming to build momentum after a recent comeback win.
Watford vs Sheffield United â Preview
Sheffield United are set to entertain Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon in the Sky Bet Championship.
The Hornets had been looking at an outside shot of the play-offs, but having recently picked up just two points from their last five games, they are now 11 points off sixth place, and three points separate them and the Blades.
After dropping several points from winning positions in recent weeks, United gave Hull City a taste of the medicine last weekend when former Blade John Lundstramâs red card provided the catalyst for a comeback win in the final ten minutes. The Blades are now looking to build some momentum heading into the summer rebuild.
Watford full-backs Jeremy Ngakia and Marc Bola could remain on the sidelines for this fixture. Young Irish forward Rocco Vata has missed most of the season so far after showing glimpses of promise early on.
The Blades will remain without Tyrese Campbell, Michael Cooper and Sam McCallum for the rest of the campaign, while it is hopeful that on loan Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips will return in some capacity in the final few weeks.
One player who could be key for Watford in this fixture is Imran Louza. The midfielder brings composure and technical quality to the team and will be vital in how Watford control the game and break the Blades down.
The Moroccan is very much Watfordâs version of Gustavo Hamer, registering seven goals and nine assists in 38 appearances this term. He has averaged two key chances per game, over two shots per game, and he has a 60% dribble success rate thus far, so it is very clear he is the danger man.
Louza is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and has the ability to keep possession ticking with quick, accurate passing. That composure allows Watford to build attacks patiently and draw opponents out of shape.
He also has a strong range of passing, capable of switching play or threading balls through midfield lines. Against a Sheffield United side that likes to press, his ability to play through pressure could be crucial in helping Watford break that press.
The match is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, though the exact time is not specified.
Watford are currently 11 points off the sixth place in the Championship.
Watford have picked up just two points from their last five games, struggling to maintain winning positions.
Sheffield United won against Hull City with a comeback victory, scoring two goals in the final ten minutes after being down a player.
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Defensively, Louza reads the game well and positions himself intelligently to break up opposition attacks. He may not be the most physically dominant midfielder, but his awareness and anticipation allow him to regain possession, averaging over six ball recoveries per game.
Callum OâHare started the season off in fantastic form for the Blades, but ironically, it seems like since Gustavo Hamer was reintroduced back into the starting eleven, this has had a slightly negative impact on OâHareâs contribution.
Nevertheless, the attacking midfielder has been one of Sheffield Unitedâs most important creative outlets this season, registering nine goals and six assists this season.
OâHare excels at finding pockets of space between the lines. His movement and awareness allow him to receive the ball in dangerous areas and turn quickly to drive at defenders. That ability to progress play makes him a key figure in Sheffield Unitedâs attacking transitions and combination play.
He is also highly effective in the final third. OâHare has the vision to pick out incisive passes and create chances for teammates, while also posing a goal threat himself, averaging two shots per game and 1.5 chances created per game. Despite his low volume of crossing, he is showing strong crossing qualities with a 30% crossing success rate.
In addition to his attacking qualities, his work rate off the ball is crucial, averaging three defensive contributions per game and over four ball recoveries. He consistently presses aggressively and looks to win possession high up the pitch, which could disrupt Watfordâs attempts to build from the back with the likes of Louza from deep.
This should be a fun game to watch from a neutral perspective, and I can see both sides finding the back of the net.
The Blades can win back-to-back games for the first time since February. Sheffield United can repeat last weekendâs score line of 2-1, perhaps coming from behind to win once more.