Newcastle United vs. Watford FIFA 18 simulation

With Newcastle United set to face Watford tomorrow, we turn to a FIFA 18 simulation to preview the action.

A week after dismantled by Manchester United, Newcastle United will host Watford tomorrow. To get a glimpse of how that might look, we fire up another FIFA 18 simulation. The clubs lined up as they did in their most recent fixtures, except for Isaac Hayden being replaced by Mikel Merino due to Hayden’s one-match ban for yellow card accumulation.

The match started rather poorly for Newcastle. Andre Gray, a target of the Magpies this summer, beat DeAndre Yedlin down the flank. Then, he curled a shot from distance that left Rob Elliot frozen as it landed in the top corner for a 3rd-minute goal.

Newcastle United would equalize on the counter minutes later. A great overlapping run by Javier Manquillo allowed him to find Matt Ritchie alone at the far post. His perfect cross was bounced home by the winger at the 11th minute.

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Neither side dominated the rest of the half. Watford was able to build some possession, but couldn’t get past the Newcastle backline. On the other end, Newcastle United’s counter-attack was potent, but a few bad giveaways by Yedlin and Matt Ritchie fizzled out those chances.

Andre Gray would get the first chance of the second half, but his header hit off the outside of the post. On the ensuing goal kick, Jacob Murphy pushed the ball forward into the box, eventually pulling it back for Joselu, who sailed a shot way over the bar.

Roberto Pereyra replaced an injured Tom Cleverly and Rolando Aarons came on for Matt Ritchie for each side’s first substitute. Both sides pushed forward aggressively until the final whistle, but neither club could break the tie. Watford had an edge in possession, shots, and corners, but couldn’t find a winner.

Javier Manquillo was the highest rated player for Newcastle United, while Joselu and Yedlin finished tied for the worst rating.