Takeover talk has reached fever pitch on Tyneside but, before Newcastle can be transformed by hundreds of Middle Eastern millions, Mike Ashley must accept an offer from Amanda Staveley. Until that happens there is a sense of limbo; not that Rafa Benítez can allow Newcastle, who have lost their past three games, to tread water. An intriguing tactical duel between Benítez and Watford’s Marco Silva – (much admired by managerless Everton) – will be spiced by the return of Newcastle’s Mikel Merino from injury. Louise TaylorKick-off Saturday 3pmVenue St James’ ParkLast season Newcastle Utd 1 Watford 2Referee Chris KavanaghThis season G2, Y7, R0, 3.5 cards per gameOdds H 5-4 A 13-5 D 5-2Newcastle UtdSubs from Darlow, Mbemba, Gámez, Haïdara, Aarons, Dummett, Saivet, Diamé, MitrovicDoubtful Dummett (hamstring)Injured Atsu (thigh, 2 Dec), Lascelles (ankle, unknown)Suspended Hayden (one match)Form DDWLLLDiscipline Y23 R1Leading scorers Joselu, Lascelles 2WatfordSubs from Bachmann, Okaka, Sinclair, Dja Djédjé, Watson, Janmaat, Karnezis, Wagué, Pereyra, Carrillo, HolebasDoubtful NoneInjured Success (knee, 9 Dec), Cathcart, Chalobah (both knee), Kaboul (hamstring, all unknown)Suspended Deeney (last of three)Form DWLLLWDiscipline Y19 R1Leading scorer Richarlison 5

Source: The Guardian November 24, 2017 17:37 UTC