Watford vs Huddersfield preview: David Wagner still seeking first win of season

Huddersfield are hoping to pick up their first win of the season when they travel to Watford on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).

Soccer Saturday Super 6

Watford vs Huddersfield is a Soccer Saturday Super 6 game this week.

David Wagner's side have picked up just three points from their opening nine matches and are second bottom of the Premier League ahead of the weekend fixtures.

However, the Huddersfield manager insists results have not reflected the performances of his players.

He said: "With this atmosphere and the spirit in our dressing room and the quality in training, you can't imagine you're speaking about a team without a win in nine games. We have to keep this mood and the performances on a high level."

Meanwhile, Watford are seventh, having won five games already this season, but manager Javi Gracia says Saturday's match is the "most difficult game" for his side.

"For me, it's the most difficult game we can play in this moment," he said. "I think Huddersfield are getting worse results than the way they are competing. They are competing well."

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Team news

Watford have doubts over Troy Deeney and Nathaniel Chalobah, who have trained away from the group after picking up respective hamstring and knee injuries.

Gerard Deulofeu, who is continuing his return from injury, and Isaac Success could continue their blossoming partnership following the 2-0 win at Wolves should Deeney miss out.

Sebastian Prodl, Daryl Janmaat and Tom Cleverley are certain absentees but suspended duo Jose Holebas and Christian Kabasele return to the team, leaving Gracia with a selection headache.

Huddersfield's Ramadan Sobhi (knee) is back in contention for the game after returning to training, but Danny Williams has been ruled out with a knee injury and Rajiv Van La Parra is a doubt through illness.

Terence Kongolo (hamstring) and Tommy Smith (groin) have returned to training and are expected to return for next Monday's fixture with Fulham.

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Opta stats

• Watford lost both of their Premier League matches against Huddersfield last season, including a 1-4 defeat at Vicarage Road.
• Huddersfield have won four of their last five league matches against Watford (L1), with two of those victories coming at Vicarage Road by the same scoreline (4-1 in May 2014 and December 2017).
• There have been three red cards shown in the last two league meetings between Watford and Huddersfield at Vicarage Road (two for Watford, one for Huddersfield).
• Huddersfield Town have won just one of their last 19 Premier League matches (W1 D7 L11), but this came against Watford. They defeated the Hornets 1-0 at home thanks to an injury-time goal from Tom Ince.
• Huddersfield Town have won just three games and 16 points in their 23 Premier League away matches (W3 D7 L13) - one of these came at Vicarage Road (1-4 in December 2017). They are yet to beat a team away from home more than once in the competition.

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Merson's prediction

This is a tough one to call. Huddersfield are not cut adrift yet but have not won in 19 matches. They are due a little bit of luck. Sooner or later they will get some. Plus, their team spirit means they will always have a chance.

Watford are a weird team. They look capable of beating anyone in the league, then get done 4-0 at home to Bournemouth but then breeze past Wolves. I still think they are underrated.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (7/1 with Sky Bet)

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