MX23RW : Saturday, December 8 23:13:28

Gracia stays positive ahead of daunting home challenge

Gracia stays positive ahead of daunting home challenge
© Reuters
Watford boss says his team have a chance against Manchester City.

Javi Gracia has challenged his Watford players to upset the odds by derailing the Manchester City juggernaut on Tuesday night.

Watford bid to become the first team this season to secure all three points against the Premier League champions when they clash at Vicarage Road.

On paper, it would appear a daunting proposition. The Hornets have lost three of their last four fixtures while Pep Guardiola's side, two points clear of Liverpool at the summit of the division, are on a run of six successive league wins.

But Gracia, making his first appearance at Vicarage Road since he signed a four-and-a-half year contract extension last week, said: "Nothing is impossible.

"You always have chances, and we want to take advantage of the chances we have.

"It will be difficult, and we know that, but playing at home with the support of our fans, I'm sure we will have some opportunities.

"Everybody knows it's difficult to get a good result against City, but they have drawn twice this season – maybe we are able to be the first getting a victory. You never know."

Watford have leaked 14 goals against City in their last three matches, while their last two fixtures at home to Guardiola's side have resulted in 5-0 and 6-0 thrashings.

The visitors, meanwhile, haven't lost on the road for 13 games but Gracia added: "I prefer not to focus on the stats and numbers because if we see the stats maybe we prefer not to play.

"I prefer to have the confidence in my players and their work. This way I'm sure we will have a good performance."

Watford could soon be boosted by the return of midfielder Tom Cleverley, who has been sidelined since January through injury.

Daryl Janmaat is also on the brink of a comeback following knee surgery which has kept him out for 10 weeks.


Click here for more stories about Javi Gracia

Click here for more stories about Watford

Share this article now:
Watford forward Isaac Success celebrates scoring against Reading in the EFL Cup second round on August 29, 2018
Read Next:
Isaac deemed a Success after signing new Watford deal
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Premier League
Championship
Scottish Premiership
La Liga
Bundesliga
Serie A
Ligue 1
Eredivisie
Primeira Liga
Russian Premier League
Belgian Pro League
League One
League Two
National League
Scottish Championship
Scottish League One
Scottish League Two
NIFL Premiership
Argentine Primera Division
Major League Soccer
Segunda Division
2.Bundesliga
Serie B
Greek Superleague
Swiss Super League
Turkish Super Lig
Ukrainian Premier League
Australian A-League
Indian I-League
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City1613214593641
2Liverpool1612403062440
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs16120430161436
4Chelsea16104233132034
5Arsenal16104235201534
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd167542826226
7Bournemouth167362522324
8Everton156542117423
9Leicester CityLeicester166462120122
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham166372325-221
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166371922-321
12Watford156271821-320
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves155461518-319
14Cardiff CityCardiff1642101530-1514
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle153481220-813
16Crystal Palace1633101323-1012
17Burnley1633101532-1712
18Huddersfield TownHuddersfield1624101027-1710
19Southampton161691330-179
20Fulham1623111640-249

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account