ASTON VILLA host Watford in the biggest of relegation six-pointers at Villa Park.
The Villans lie in 18th and trail the 17th-placed Hornets by just one point following a 1-1 draw at Brighton.
Jack Grealish was on target in Villa’s 1-1 draw at Brighton on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Watford are unbeaten in their last six following a 0-0 draw with Spurs – a run that featured a 3-0 win over Villa despite the Hornets only having ten men.
What time does Aston Villa vs Watford kick off?
Aston Villa vs Watford takes place on Tuesday, January 21.
Kick-off at Villa Park is at 7.30pm.
What TV channel is Aston Villa vs Watford on and can I live stream it?
Unfortunately, Aston Villa vs Watford will not be live on UK television.
But you can watch all the highlights on Match of the Day on Wednesday at 10.35pm.
Team news
Aston Villa are set to be strikerless for their crucial clash at home to the Hornets.
£22m Brazilian Wesley Moraes is out for the season and backup Jonathan Kodjia has been allowed to join Qatari side Al-Gharafa.
Replacement Mbwana Samatta is set to imminently join from Genk, but Villa have not been able to complete the deal in time for this match.
However, Watford have injury problems of their own in attack.
Key man Ismaila Sarr will not play any part in this fixture after coming off with a hamstring injury against Tottenham.
But Danny Welbeck could return to the matchday squad after three months out injured.
What they said
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith on letting Jonathan Kodjia leave: “The lads have got used to it [playing without a recognised striker] over the last three or four games.
“Jonathan’s had a tough season. He came back from the Africa Cup of Nations very, very tired after playing a summer series.
“He then got injured at Tottenham and has struggled for fitness since due to game time.
“With his contract being up at the end of the season, we hadn’t offered him a new one, and so he wanted to look at other avenues and we’ve allowed that to happen.”
Watford boss Nigel Pearson: “I don’t take anything for granted in football.
“And I don’t buy into the thought that just because something [Watford’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa on December 28] happened a couple of weeks ago, it is going to happen again.
“They will want to reverse the last result and because we are both in a difficult situation they will be up for the fight. There is no doubt about that.
“Whenever you play sides in and around your own situation, the benefits of a win are huge and we go into the game with every intention to try and win.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
