Watford v Leeds United: FA Cup preview

Key Battle - Troy Deeney v Giuseppe Bellusci

Bellusci made his Leeds debut at Vicarage Road in 2014 and had one of those days, conceding a penalty and incurring a red card early in the second half. Deeney dispatched the spot kick and United went onto lose 4-1 in David Hockaday’s last league game as head coach. Deeney was always a nightmare for defenders in the Championship and he has not had a problem with the step up to the Premier League. Bellusci will have his hands full.

Key Man - Odion Ighalo

Watford might have the luxury of going full-strength on Saturday with their Premier League survival as good as assured and Ighalo is unquestionably the player who Leeds should be looking out for. The Nigerian striker was a fantastic signing last season, scoring 20 times in his first year in England, and he’s rattled off 14 in his maiden Premier League term. The threat posed by him speaks for itself.

Last time at Vicarage Road:

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Watford 4 Leeds United 1

Goals: Watford - Forestieri 20, 67, Deeney 58 pen, Tozser 90. Leeds - Tamas 32(og).

Phil Hay’s Verdict:

This was not a tie that Leeds would have looked for in the fifth-round draw - neither a major money-spinner nor a straightforward chance to make in into the quarter-finals. Steve Evans talked about turning the match into a “proper cup tie” and Leeds need to do that. Leave Watford to play as they like to play and the outcome will be inevitable. Shake them up and an with the help of a big away crowd, an upset is possible.

Match Odds:

Home win - 29/10

Draw - 12/5

Away win - 6/5