The match between West Ham and Watford on December 22, 2018 will bring together the ninth and tenth teams of the English Premier League. The starting whistle at the Olimpiyskiy stadium will sound at 18:00 Moscow time.West Ham The Hammers continue to climb the standings and are already in ninth position. Very important for the Londoners was the away match of the previous round against Fulham, which occupies the last line in the standings. The guests started the game with accurate actions in the attack and did not go with all their might to the outsider’s gate, trying to catch Fulham on the counterattack. One of the first counterattacks of the Hammers gave its result and the score was opened in the 17th minute, Felipe Anderson dragged the ball along the flank and did everything to give a pass to Robert Snodgrass, the Scot did not let him down and accurately shot in one touch – 0 :one. West Ham didn’t hold the lead for long, doubling it in the 29th minute, Michael Antonio was completely alone in the goalkeeper’s area and had enough time to handle the ball and hit it right – 0:2. The scored goal allowed the guests to calmly control the game, for the rest of the time the West Ham players did not take risks and maintained a two-goal advantage until the very end of the game. Separate words deserves the goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who made several good saves and did not allow the Fulham players to excel in his goal. The Hammers won and now the gap from the sixth position is only two points, to reach the sixth line, or to maintain this gap, the Londoners will be helped by a positive result in the match West Ham – Watford. Watford The Hornets lost their place in the top five and dropped to tenth in the Premier League. Watford’s unbeaten streak, which was six matches and lasted until the match of the previous round, contributed to this fall. Sad series was interrupted in the home game against Cardiff. Watford managed to take the lead already in the 16th minute of the game, Gerard Delofeu decided to take the game into his own hands, the Spaniard elegantly went through the protection of the guests and outplayed the goalkeeper. At the end of the first half, his teammate Roberto Pereira could also score a good moment to double his team’s advantage, the player struck from outside the penalty area, but Neil Eltridge pulled the ball from the bottom corner. The attacking game from Watford’s side was also visible after the rest, Jose Holebas managed to double the score on the scoreboard, the Greek struck perfectly with one touch and sent the ball into the near nine in the 52nd minute. Very soon, the hosts’ stadium was celebrating the third goal scored by his favorites, Domingos Kina managed to adapt to the unexpected transfer of his partner and easily shot from the penalty area – 3:0 in the 68th minute. Such a big advantage allowed the home team to relax, because of which they almost paid the price. The first step towards Cardiff’s comeback was made by Junior Hoilett, the player moved from the flank to the center and threw the goalkeeper, closing the gap in the 80th minute. Two minutes later, midfielder Bobby Reed returned the intrigue to the game, the guest player managed to distinguish himself by pushing the ball into the opponent’s goal on the second attempt. The Watford players came to their senses in time and did not allow Cardiff to perform a miracle in the last minutes. The result is 3:2, a victory thanks to which the Hornets are in the top ten, if they want to stay there further, then for this they need to win the match West Ham – Watford, because the rivals are already breathing in the back. Odds for the match West Ham – Watford December 22, 2018 Bookmakers from the company “Pari-Match” give a slight advantage to the wards of Manuel Pellegrini. Odds for the match West Ham – Watford: West Ham win – 2.35; Draw – 3.55; Watford win – 3.05. West Ham – Watford: prediction for the match At the “Olympic” stadium in London will play two equal teams, but the playing form of the “Hammers” now looks more impressive. Prediction for the match West Ham – Watford: West Ham win, odds – 2.35. Recall that the victory in the match Chelsea – Leicester on December 22, 2018 will allow the hosts to continue the fight for medals and maintain a lead over their pursuers. The match at the Stamford Bridge stadium will start at 18:00 Moscow time.
