Before the real match kicks off, FIFA 18 gave us a look at the virtual version of Newcastle United vs. Watford.
Newcastle United vs. Watford gets underway in less than two hours. Before the opening whistle blows, a FIFA 18 simulation gave us a glimpse into what the match could hold.
The hosting Hornets lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring: Karnezis; Mariappa, Cathcart, Kabasele, Holebas; Capoue, Doucoure; Carrillo, Hughes, Richarlison; Deeney
For Newcastle United, the lineup was a compilation of our staff predictions. In a 4-4-2 formation, it was: Dubravka; Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett; Murphy, Shelvey, Diame, Kenedy; Perez, Joselu.
Each club had a chance in the first five minutes of the match. Watford, straight from the opening kick, moved the ball down the pitch, but a Troy Deeney shot went well wide and over the crossbar. Paul Dummett was able to push past Watford players before playing the ball over the top to Kenedy. The wingers cross was intercepted by Orestis Karnezis at the last second before Joselu arrived.
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Watford would possess the ball primarily for the next ten minutes in the Newcastle United half, but they couldn’t find a shot or final pass. A Florian Lejeune header over the end line gave Watford the match’s first corner in the 24th minute, but it led to nothing. In stark contrast to the Hornets holding onto the ball, Newcastle United were content to play on the counter. Joselu and Jacob Murphy combined for a couple dangerous runs.
Just before the half, an Ayoze Perez cross found Joselu, who poked the ball past the keeper. It was a lovely touch and an important goal for the Magpies. Watford had a heavy lead in possession at the break, but the Toon held the more important edge on the scoreline.
Matt Ritchie replaced Murphy in the 59th minute. He promptly found Joselu in the area, but he lost the ball before he could bag a brace. Watford’s Deeney departed in the 65th minute with an injury. Martin Dubravka was forced into action in the 77th minute when Richarlison tested him from just outside the area.
Newcastle United made their final two subs in the defensive midfield, with Shelvey and Diame going off and Isaac Hayden and Mikel Merino joining the action.
Kenedy nearly sealed things in the 84th minute when Joselu found him running unmarked at the back post. He went at it first touch and curled it wide. Thankfully for the Magpies, they wouldn’t need a second goal. They ended their two-match losing streak with a 1-0 win away from home.