Watford Preview

On the fifth day of Christmas the Toon Army asked me, "can we have three points and plenty of goals please?"

Well after last weeks performance this could happen. Through the week United manager Chris Hughton has suggested that he may stick with the front pairing of Marlon Harewood and Peter Lovenkrands, who scored the goals to tare Swansea City apart.

This new partnership (although not first choice to many fans) did the business last week and their styles of play seemed to compliment each other, so it may just work again against a play-off chasing Watford side.

Hughton will have options from the bench as he welcomes back Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll who have been out with a foot problem and illness respectively. Plus young striker Nile Ranger may play some part as United have a busy week ahead with trips to Coventry and Barnsley following the Watford game.

Newcastle's treatment room is starting to empty, with the likes of Nicky Butt and Steve Harper recovering well in time for the home clash against the Hornets. Only midfielder Joey Barton is a long-term absentee, which bolds well for a tough festive period.

Newcastle will have to look out for Watford's on loan Manchester United star Tom Cleverly, whom the Geordies have recently been linked with. The young midfielder has scored six goals so far in the league this season and has produced some fantastic performances to help get the Golden Boys up to 9th place.

Watford a club in financial trouble have midfielder Don Cowie back in their squad and defender Jay DeMerit has been training this week but the game could come to soon for him. Manager Malky Mackay may choose to switch his team around after losing 3-0 to Crystal Palace last time out.