Coming into the quarter-final of the FA Cup at Vicarage Road, Watford and Crystal Palace were not in their best shapes. Both teams have had inconsistent runs in the Premier League since late February, with the away side worse off only able to sit just a few places above the relegation zone. Prior to this game, Watford and Palace lost to Manchester City and Brighton respectively, thus making them hungry for a win in this FA Cup tie.
Watford and Palace have met twice in the league this season and both matches showed that Watford are the better side of the two. Despite that, we cant only look at the league records since this match is not a league fixture. Back in 2016, both teams met in the semi-final of the FA Cup and Palace won. Pride was at stake since both teams had their own agenda of revenge in this match.
However, just like their last two league meetings, Watford once again won this match 2–1. Watfords dominant defensive display was the reason for this narrow win that secured a precious ticket to Wembley. In the semi-final, Watford will face Wolverhampton Wanderers, who defeated Manchester United in another tie. This piece will analyse how Watfords brilliant performance helped them to defeat Crystal Palace.
Lineups
Javi Gracia opted for 4–4–2 in this match. Veteran goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes was trusted to start between the sticks, which may have been his last ever start prior to his retirement at the end of the season. Former Spurs midfielder Etienne Capoue played alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure in the middle of the park. Up front, captain Troy Deeney and former Barcelona man Gerard Deulofeu led the front line.
Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson chose 4–2–3–1 for his team. Ex-Liverpool defender Martin Kelly started with James Tomkins as Palaces centre-back pairing. In front of them, there was the duo of Luka Milivojevic and Cheikhou Kouyate. Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi was selected as the target man, supported by Andros Townsend, Max Meyer, and James McArthur behind him.
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