What 5-0 defeat? Newcastle aim to bounce back against Watford

Newcastle United were humiliated by Manchester City, but they must focus on claiming three points against Watford.

Newcastle United have reserved their place in the 2020-21 Premier League campaign, but a neutral observer would not believe that based on their performance against Manchester City. A loss was expected, but the lazy shift put in by several players was not.

Newcastle United have taken eight points from their first five games in Project Restart, and they have a good shot at claiming three more points tomorrow against Watford.

The Hornets are coming off a 2-1 victory over Norwich City, but it was their only win since Premier League football returned in mid-June.

Watford find themselves just above the relegation zone, but anything other than a win tomorrow could see them end the season in the bottom three as their remaining fixtures consist of West Ham, Manchester City and Arsenal.

That being the case, Newcastle United should be prepared for a tight battle where the home side will throw everything they have at them.

Steve Bruce has done a solid job of ensuring his men bounce back in games following heavy defeats, but he must deploy his best possible lineup to get the job done tomorrow.

Without Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin on Wednesday, the Magpies looked terrible as no other player was able to carry the ball forward and create meaningful chances.

Since the duo was able to rest earlier this week there is no doubt they will be the first names on the team sheet tomorrow.

Fans should also hope that Jamaal Lascelles will be fit for action. Without him organizing the back line, the defense crumbled, especially with the lack of energy displayed by Fabian Schar as of late.

Overall, Newcastle United owe it to their fans to wake up and perform the way they did against Sheffield United and Bournemouth.

A win for the Toon would see them jump to 46 points, which would be their best point total since earning promotion. A win for Watford would most likely be enough to see them stay in the top flight.

This game will not attract much attention in terms of viewers, but it will be an interesting battle as one team looks to bounce back, and the other looks to avoid the drop.