The fine line battle between salvation and relegation as Watford take on Norwich

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Teetering on the edge of relegation to the Championship, it is a seminal moment in both Watford and Norwich’s seasons. 

This year, there has been a sense the drop zone could be decided by the smallest of margins, with the two teams separated by a single point heading into the second half of the season.

By the skin of their teeth, the Hornets collected their first point in seven games last time out at fellow strugglers Newcastle. Joao Pedro leveled proceedings with two minutes of normal time remaining.

Despite this recent form, Watford will feel encouraged knowing they came out on top in the reverse fixture back in September. Ismaila Sarr netted a brace to guide the Hornets to a 3-1 victory at Carrow Road.

Manager Claudio Ranieri may need to dip into the transfer market before the end of the month in a desperate bid to solve their defensive issues. They remain the only Premier League side to have not kept a clean sheet so far this season. Edo Kayembe, Samir and Ivory Coast international Hassane Kamara look to be a sign of a rejuvenation of the starting XI.

Although impressively, Ranieri’s teams hold a good defensive display record against the Canaries, having kept three clean sheets in four games against them.

Dean Smith’s side stunned a discombobulated Everton last week, leaving Goodison Park 2-1 winners courtesy of a Adam Idah strike and a Michael Keane own goal. 

After taking advantage of the Toffees’ horrendous form, manager Rafael Benitez was relieved of his duties just hours after.

That win will give the visitors confidence going into this vital scrap but will be aware, a loss will leave them with a much bigger challenge, with Watford still possessing two games in hand.

It should be noted, Norwich haven’t been prolific in front of goal this term, with just 10 scored after 21 games. But travelling fans will be hoping that striker Teemu Pukki can replicate his performance from September, get back on the scoresheet and fire them to a much needed victory. 

Watford are expected to field a similar line-up from their trip to Newcastle as there are no fresh injury concerns for Ranieri.

But Norwich will be without goalkeeper Tim Krul, as the Dutch shot-stopper picked up a shoulder injury late on against Everton.

Billy Gilmour, Mathias Normann, Lukas Rupp and Andrew Omobamidele are closing in on their return to action, but manager Smith revealed Friday’s game will come too soon for all four.

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