Sunderland legend Kevin Ball selects his ones to watch within the Watford ranks ahead of Saturday’s game at Vicarage Road.
Injuries: Valon Behrami (doubt), Christian Kabasele (doubt), Ben Watson (doubt), Mauro Zarate (knee), Roberto Pereyra (knee).
Younes Kaboul
Where better to start than a player who began this season at the Stadium of Light? Younes Kaboul was a class act during his time at the club, bringing passion and leadership within the defensive ranks. He performed well throughout his spell on Wearside and really helped the likes of Lamine Kone to settle, which is something we continue to benefit from. He knows Jermain Defoe inside out having been team-mates with the striker at three different clubs, so it’s a great battle to look out for and one both players are no doubt looking forward to.
Etienne Capoue
He may not be replicating the goalscoring form he showed at the start of the season, but Etienne Capoue remains a force to be reckoned with. The powerful midfielder netted four times in his first six games of the campaign, but he’s just added just one goal since and hasn’t found the net since November. That said, his combative style of play could prove to be decisive on Saturday, as Watford will be hoping he can control the game and thwart the supplyline to Defoe.
Troy Deeney
It would be impossible to talk about Watford without mentioning talisman Troy Deeney. No player has made more appearances or scored more Premier League goals for the Hornets than Deeney, and this season he’s once again been integral to their success scoring nine times. The January departure of Odion Ighalo, coupled with a season-ending injury to Mauro Zarate, means he’s certain to start on Saturday, but should Sunderland thwart him they could very well only need one goal to secure a big three points. I also think Deeney deserves immense credit for what he’s overcome off the pitch, not just with the help available but also through what comes from within. I admire his work ethic and he now has a big impact in the community through various charitable organisations, so fair play to him.
Jose Holebas
Watford’s signing of Jose Holebas has proved to be a shrewd move with the Greece international contributing to all phases of play. He’s posted four assists and grabbed a couple of goals during his first season at Vicarage Road, but he’s also not afraid to defend having picked up more yellow cards (12) than any other player in the PL. He has great experience across a number of European leagues including the Bundesliga and Serie A, while also featuring 38 times on the international stage. He’ll be up against Adnan Januzaj this weekend and that experience could be key.
Sebastian Prodl
Sebastian Prodl has been a real success story for Watford this season and demonstrates why patience can be a powerful tool – both for players and clubs. After a fairly standard first season in England, Prodl was linked with a host of moves away, but he opted to stay at Vicarage Road and this season he’s played more minutes than both Kaboul and Miguel Britos. He tops the Watford stats for blocked shots (26) and clearances (133), and he’s also confident on the ball making 47 interceptions – only Capoue has more (48) – while passing it out from the back on more occasions than his defensive team-mates. If partnered alongside Kaboul this weekend, the Hornets should have a good balance at the back.
