Watford v Newcastle preview: Obbi Oulare among potential Hornets changes
Sunday 10 January 2016 15:19, UK
Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores may take the opportunity to rest a number of first-team regulars for their FA Cup third round tie with Newcastle.
The Hornets could hand a debut to summer signing Obbi Oulare if Flores opts to rest either captain Troy Deeney or top goalscorer Odion Ighalo.
Jose Holebas may also be drafted in but Nathan Ake remains suspended while Tommie Hoban (groin) and Joel Ekstrand (knee) are out.
Jack Colback is a doubt for Newcastle due to a hamstring injury he suffered in last weekend's defeat to Arsenal.
Vurnon Anita (also hamstring) is out, although midfielder Rolando Aarons (foot) striker Emmanuel Riviere (knee) are back in contention and defender Steven Taylor (hamstring) is close to a return.
Head coach Steve McClaren is hoping striker Papiss Cisse's groin injury is not as serious as was first feared and he could return to training next week, but keeper Tim Krul (knee ligaments), defender Massadio Haidara (knee) and midfielder Gabriel Obertan remain on the sidelines.
While Flores' will be making his debut in the FA Cup, he admitted it is not Watford's priority this season.
"I am looking forward to this competition, because it's very important in England," he said. "This is a historic competition, so of course we are thinking about the next match.
"We will try to be competitive again. We want to win. It's not our main target this season, but we do want to win and dedicate it to the fans."
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Watford have been drawn to face Newcastle in the FA Cup on three previous occasions, with the Hornets progressing in the most recent tie in 1989.
Watford have won only one of their last six FA Cup games (L4 D1), with the solitary victory over Bristol City in 2014 coming in a replay at Vicarage Road.
Newcastle have failed to score in their last three FA cup games away from home.
The Magpies have lost their last four FA Cup ties, reaching the fourth round only three times in the last nine seasons.
